How to Border Woodchips on a Playground

Instead of spending more money installing a fence around a playground, you can consider bordering the area using wood chips, which are much more affordable than fencing materials.

1. Dig a perimeter around your playground area, about 6 to 8-inches deep, and four feet wide. Smooth out the area with a rake or hoe to make the perimeter hole flat and even all around. Ensure that you leave an opening for an entrance, about 4-feet wide.

2. Measure the perimeter with a tape measure, then obtain landscaping timbers. These are typically 8-feet long and are sold at most home and garden stores. You can cut them later to fit the perimeter.

3. Fit the timbers inside, along all sides of the hole perimeter, then drill three holes through each timber using a half inch spade drill bit.

4. Hammer 2-foot long cut re-bar into each hole, leaving 4-inches protruding out of the timbers.

5. Line up another set of landscaping timbers to put on top of the first set, and mark them to drill the holes to fit over the re-bar.

6. Place the next set of landscaping timbers on top of the first, then hammer the re-bar flush with the timbers. This will secure the timber perimeter.

7. Place Visqueen or plastic sheeting in the interior of the perimeter, covering the entire dirt surface between the timbers. This will impede the growth of weeds into the wood chips.

8. Fill the area evenly with your preferred wood chips. Fill it just about an inch away from the top of the timbers to keep the chips from falling over the sides.