Bryn Mawr-Skyway Play Area Borders & Surfacing Services
Hello, Bryn Mawr-Skyway residents! If you have a backyard play area, you know it can take a beating from our rainy weather, kids, and pets. When borders fail or surfacing wears down, it can lead to mud, weeds, and potential safety hazards. That’s where we come in! We create safe, tidy, and attractive play areas that are easy to maintain.
What’s the Problem?
Is your play area facing these issues?
- Chips or gravel spilling into your garden beds due to inadequate edging.
- Low surfacing depth under swings or slides, revealing hard ground.
- Water pooling in the play area because of clogged fabric.
- Uneven borders creating trip hazards and mowing difficulties.
What We Build (and Why It Works)
Durable Borders
- Timber “play timbers” (ground-contact rated) secured with rebar spikes for clean edges.
- Steel or aluminum edging for a sleek appearance and easy mowing.
- Paver or stone bands for a refined look, enhancing your play area.
- Concrete mow strips to prevent turf encroachment and maintain borders.
Surfacing Options
- Play chips / Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF) — our top recommendation for safety and fall absorption.
- Washed pea gravel (select use) — mainly decorative, not suitable for toddlers or steep slopes.
- Rubber tiles/mats (select zones) — great for high-impact areas like slide exits and swing landings.
- Stabilized fines path leading to the play area for a mud-free approach.
Under the Hood
- Separation geotextile beneath the pit to prevent soil mixing with chips.
- Crushed rock base and drainage for areas prone to water retention.
- Precise top dress depth to ensure wear zones are adequately covered.
Note: We never place landscape fabric above the surface as it clogs and creates slip hazards. Fabric goes beneath!
Safety & Depth (Straight Talk)
For residential play chip areas, we install 9–12” of loose material (settles to about 9”). We conduct regular inspections and re-top high-wear zones like under swings and slide exits. If your play area is subject to HOA regulations, we can coordinate a CPSI review for compliance!
Coverage Math (Order the Right Amount)
- 1 cubic yard = 27 cu ft
- At 12” depth → 27 sq ft/yd³
- At 9” depth → 36 sq ft/yd³
- Example: For a 12’ × 16’ pit at 9” → 192 sq ft ÷ 36 ≈ 5.3 yd³ (order 6 yd³ to account for settling).
Details That Keep It Clean
- Flush entries or rubber transition mats at access points to keep chips contained.
- Border reveal set to ½–1” for a neat mowing edge.
- Slopes and swales directing water away from the play area.
- No cocoa mulch (toxic to pets) is ever used!
Our Annual Maintenance Plan (Your Yard’s Routine)
Think of us as your yard’s personal trainers! Our maintenance plan includes:
- Depth checks & top-ups — we measure, document, and replenish materials as needed.
- Rake & re-level — redistributing chips and regrading wear zones.
- Edge patrol — repairing loose edging and trip hazards.
- Weed control — focusing on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) with hand pulls.
- Drainage clear-outs — ensuring underdrains remain functional.
Our aim is to keep it low-maintenance—fewer issues between visits mean less work for you!
Service Cadences (Pick What Fits)
- Quarterly — comprehensive spring/fall resets plus two light touch-ups (ideal for tree-heavy areas).
- Bi-Monthly — perfect for high-traffic areas (kids + pets) or windy locations.
(For new installations with swingsets, consider monthly visits for the first 60–90 days while settling occurs.)
What Annual Maintenance Includes
- A depth log with photos and a simple map of wear zones.
- Top-up delivery, spreading, and a tidy border cleanup.
- Transition repairs and rubber mat inspections.
- Weed sweep and spot treatment (prioritizing IPM).
- Drainage testing after a hose run to ensure proper shedding.
Why Annual Maintenance Matters
- Safety — keeping proper depth where falls are likely.
- Cleanliness — ensuring chips stay in the play area, not in your yard.
- Longevity — maintaining borders and drainage for durability.
- Cost-effective — regular top-ups prevent expensive pit rebuilds.
How It Works
- Free Estimate — we can provide this via photos, video, or a quick walkthrough for transparent pricing.
- Plan & Layout — we’ll discuss border styles, surfacing options, drainage plans, and access points.
- Build Day — we excavate, lay fabric/base, set borders, and spread surfacing, then clean up.
- Follow-Up — you’ll receive a depth log, care tips, and a tailored maintenance schedule.
Why Bryn Mawr-Skyway Chooses Neat & Tidy
- We are a local team familiar with Bryn Mawr-Skyway’s unique soil and weather patterns.
- Licensed & insured; we always call 811 before digging.
- Transparent pricing — materials, labor, hauling, and disposal included.
- We deliver timely, respectful work (no mess in your flower beds).
- Our eco-friendly approach ensures durable borders and effective drainage with minimal waste.
Ready for a play area that stays safe and tidy?
Call or text Neat & Tidy for borders and surfacing that withstand Bryn Mawr-Skyway’s weather and summer fun. We’ll keep it tidy—so you can enjoy the play!
