The Press-Dispatch
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The Press-Dispatch Spring Home and Garden Wednesday, April 11, 2012 Heating & Cooling 812-354-4273 Myers Heating & Cooling Setting up a backyard play set able to run, jump and swing outside is an excel- lent form of exercise and a way for kids to interact with their friends. Outdoor play is a highlight of childhood. Being light of childhood. Being able to run, jump and swing outside is an excellent form of exercise and a way for kids to interact with their friends. One staple of youthful Outdoor play is a high- play is spending time on a play set in the backyard. Parents without a play set in the backyard need on- ly look into a neighboring yard with a play set to wit- ness these prime congre- gation spots for the neigh- borhood children. And play sets don't just benefit kids. Parents who want to keep tabs on their children can do so much more easi- ly with a backyard play set, and knowing they are hav- ing fun close by alleviates worries. The decision to purchase a play set is one pondered by parents all across the country. There are scores of ready-made varieties available or sets that can be custom designed. The choice of which one to buy should be based on a num- ber of factors, both in de- sired features and also models that offer safety. MATERIALS face is which material to use for the play set. The main materials used to build play sets are plastic, metal and wood. Plastic sets tend to be very basic and may be reserved for young chil- dren's sets. While they can go outside, they may not last more than a few years and are often best relegated to indoor toys. Metal sets are some The first decision parents two. They're good for back- yards because they can be taken down when they're no longer used. They can also be made more useful with add-on attachments, such as extra slides, rock walls and different swing variations. SAFETY for children, so all of them should be safe, right? Not exactly. Some manufactur- ers cut corners or create somewhat questionable de- signs. Look for recessed hardware and bolts so that clothing doesn't snag on pieces that stick out. Choose play sets that Play sets are designed have handles for extra sta- bility while children are climbing. Avoid ones with metal hardware that can rust and weaken over time. Wood-to-wood attachments won't rust and will be more durable. When choosing wood REMODELING AND NEW CONSTRUCTION post frame buildings • roof repair & replacement • (metal roofs) window & door installation • concrete work • siding • kitchen & bath remodeling • Design CONSTRUCTION CO. 812 • 582 • 2541 PETERSBURG Homes by no job too large or too small FREE ESTIMATES covered chains on swings and other moveable parts so that fingers cannot get inside of the links and be pinched. Check to make sure treat- sets, be sure to select hard- woods that will not soft- en and warp. In addition, choose designs that feature rounded edges so there will be less chance for splin- ters or injuries from hitting blunt edges. Be sure to have plastic- Spring is Here! It's Time To Get Outside & Start Planting! ed and stained wood does not contain harmful mate- rial, like arsenic, that can leach out of the wood into the surrounding soil. Some parents also may of the most durable and strong. They are frequent- ly seen at parks and play- grounds. Metal play sets are often cemented down to a foundation for stability, which doesn't make them ideal for a temporary set that will be removed when the kids outgrow it. Also, you cannot generally add onto a metal set. Wooden sets are usually a compromise between the want to look for a wooden play set that is made from materials harvested follow- ing sustainable forestry guidelines. This gives par- ents some peace of mind knowing their child's play set is eco-friendly. Play sets can be fun addi- tions to the backyard. They come in many different siz- es and configurations, so it's possible to find one that will fit in any backyard. H Creating a dog run into the soil below and will be able to keep feces above for easier clean-up. It also can be hosed off and topped off when grav- el is depleted. Avoid landscape fabrics Continued from page D-4 or artificial turf that is not designed for pets. It may collect waste and lead to the proliferation of bac- teria, which can create odor and unsanitary con- ditions for the dog. Many people like to ways to prevent him or her from getting into places you'd rather keep off lim- its. Cobble rock is often difficult for dogs to walk on. Use it to form barriers of 3 to 5 inches in width to prevent access to certain parts of the yard. Border planting beds with thorny bushes or big rocks that don't allow traction. Do make a dog running camouflage dog runs from the rest of the yard. Trailing vines of ivy or other upward growing plants may suffice. Avoid planting any poisonous plants next to the run so they are not accidental- ly consumed. It is also best to keep sweet nectar plants away to minimize bee and wasps from fly- ing close to the dog. If you do not want to segregate your dog from the rest of the yard, find path by the fence where there is a lot of foot traf- fic. This way your dog can run back and forth and watch the neighbors go by. Again, pea gravel is a good choice here so that it will mask paw-trodden grass. Dogs will behave Has The Landscaping Rock You Need to Create a Beautiful Yard Pea Gravel Concrete Gravel Brown Field Bed Gravel Light Field Bed Gravel Boulders Stop By and See Our Products. If We Don't Have It, We May Be Able To Order. Spring & Summer Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. like dogs, so pet own- ers should learn the best way to enjoy the back- yard together. Training the pooch to relieve him- self in one spot and creat- ing places that are safe for him to urinate may allevi- ate destructive behavior. 204 W. Illinois Street (812) 354-9650 Pick Up Trucks Welcome Delivery Available 812-354-4273 Myers D-5 Same as Cash Financing Same as Cash Financing