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Waterlogged kids play

rbro1979rbro1979 Posts: 3
in Problem solving

Hi all,

We live near a quarry, a few years back I made a kids play area however there wasn't enough top soil used and it's basically a few inches on top of clay and rock. Needless to say there is little grass growth and constant mud and puddles. 

 

My plan is to bring in 10cm of 10mm chips and put another 15cm of good top soil and sow on to this? I had thought about putting drainage pipes leading off to the side but have decided against it. There are no neighbours and we have fields next to us to drain to if necessary. 

 

should this work? Any advice would be most welcome.

 

thanks

 

Russ

Posts

  • Dave MorganDave Morgan Posts: 3,123

    If you put topsoil on top of chippings, all that happens is the soil washes down through the chippings. You'd have to put a permeable membrane on top of the chippings before dumping the topsoil on top. This way it will give grass time to establish to a reasonable depth and you'll get less settlement. It will never be great as your'e laying on top of solid rock.

    Personally I'd go with chipped bark on top of a membrane, cheaper and quicker.

  • rbro1979rbro1979 Posts: 3

    Hi guys, thanks for replies. I was landing on gravel chips as drainage first? Wood chips are not great up here as it is extremely windy. it's dark at the mo but can get a photo tomorrow morning and post.

    i have lots of drainage pipe, I can dig drainage tracks first and lay pipes before putting soil on top. Would it be better to put a herring bone of pipes in first then cover the whole thing with 20 -25 cm of top soil?

     

    I'm happy to go with whatever will work best. I'd rather spend the time and money to get it done properly so the kids can play.

     

    thanks again

    russ

  • Blue OnionBlue Onion Posts: 2,995

    I think it would be best to create some sort of french drain system, especially as it seems you have a plentiful supply of drains AND somewhere to send the water.

    Utah, USA.
  • Dave MorganDave Morgan Posts: 3,123

    For drainage pipes you'll have to have gravel anyway. The usual system is to lay the pipes, then gravel then soil. Herringbone system is fine but it should be the whole length of the garden to be effective with a soak away at the exit. Hope you've got the right drainage pipe.  

  • rbro1979rbro1979 Posts: 3

    image

     Hi folks, as requested please see the problem area. Behind where I'm standing is a field I can drain to. Cheers

     

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