The importance of having a level surface for any climbing frame is safety. These products are designed for installation on a level surface. This doesn’t mean level like the centre court at Wimbledon! However, levelling play equipment such as children’s playhouses, climbing frames and swing beams does need to be a priority. You can cut in to level a fort and swing beam during the build. This ensures that the swings are safe to use. Both from knocking on other swings, the fort or frame. This blog discusses how to level your grass garden area ready for the build to commence!
Levelling Lumps, Bumps & Hollows
Levelling small imperfections such as lumps, bumps or hollows in the lawn is a relatively simple process. Start by ensuring you have the right tools.
Remember, these only need attention if they will be in the way of the main structure or affect safety of play.
Read on for our recommended tools, and an illustrated how-to guide on fixing lumps, bumps or dips.
Step By Step Guide
- Check the climbing frame dimensions
The climbing frame dimensions can be found on every product page. They include both a 2d birds eye view, and a 3d layout perspective. Therefore this will give you an idea of where the main components such as the fort, slide and swing will sit in your garden. Marking this with cones, toys or sticks will help you visualise it.
- Walk around your garden to identify lumps or dips
These may affect the positioning of your play equipment. It is especially important to ensure the fort will sit level. This will ensure the longevity of the climbing frame. It’s also important to ensure the swings are level with the fort. Because if the swing beam is not level, then the swings could potentially swing at an angle, and clash with either other or the wooden structure. Mark any lumps or dips you find.
- Cutting an X Across the Bump or Dip
Use your half moon cutter or flat spade to cut from one side to the other across the lump or dip. Then create a ‘cross’ by cutting again through the centre of the dip or lump. Creating four even sections around your X cut.
- Peel Back The Turf
Use the shovel to cut about 2 inches (4-5cm) deep (ensuring you get to the bottom of the grass roots). Then out to the edges of the X shape that you created. And on each of the four triangular segments. Peel the turf back on its self and revealing the square of earth you have just created.
Now for the tricky part…
- 5.Remove Earth (for Lumps)
- If you have a lump in the lawn then use a fork to loosen the soil. Dig out the soil into a bucket or wheel barrow. Use elsewhere in the garden if you have dips. Ensure the lawn will be level once the grass is flipped back into place and compacted.
- 6.Fill With Soil (for Dips)
- If you have a dip in the garden then add some additional soil. This will bring the level up to match the rest of the lawn. Remember to add a little extra, because everything will get compacted once the turf is restored and compacted.
Finally…
7. Restore Turf & Compress
Once you have added/removed soil as necessary, flip the turf back into place. Ensure it’s compacted. If possible add some grass seed into the cut. Therefore the turf can recover as quickly as possible. Regularly water if you seed new grass.
Multi-Level or Sloped Gardens
If you have a garden with multiple levels or if you have a significant slope in your garden it will require more time to level for your play equipment. In this instance we’d recommend you speak with a landscaper, who can advise on levelling play equipment. Because you may need sleeper or retaining walls to ensure the surface is level and secure.
