The primary playground naturalisation approach basically means playground planting and its interaction with manufactured equipment. The tree surgeon is the one usually designing with certain principles concerning a variety of plants such as deciduous trees, evergreen trees , deciduous shrubs, evergreen shrubs, deciduous vines, evergreen vines and groundcovers are just a few of the options for achieving naturalisation. Flowering perennials enrich the naturalisation plant palette with a wide range of colours, textures, and scents.
Designing Play Environments inclusive of Tree Surgeries in Devon, Newton Abbot, Crediton and Torquay; that Integrate manufactured play equipment with the living landscape requires a comprehensive guide on space planning. To get you started, we've compiled a list of tree surgeon recommended crucial criteria’s to consider while choosing plants for the playground. Trees and other plants should be preserved, selected, and integrated into the playground site.
Existing trees should be preserved
Before a playground is created, have a competent Tree Surgeon inspect existing trees for disease to determine that they are worth maintaining. If a tree is severely diseased or towards the end of its useful life, it may be more cost-effective to replace it with a new, properly selected, large calliper specimen tree. To avoid tree root damage, place playground equipment outside the drip line of existing trees, particularly on the north side to give shade. Within the area under the tree canopy drip line, protect the tree trunk flare area and limit disruption of tree roots. If necessary, erect a tree protection fence in accordance with municipal requirements. To give a playground a feeling of identity, take advantage of existing trees where possible. When introducing trees into naturalised play spaces, make sure to follow the manufacturers specified use zones.
Choose plants that are child-friendly and have a lot of play value
When choosing plants for children's play spaces, keep the following criteria in mind:
● For sensory stimulation, contrast leaf textures: evergreen vs. deciduous, shiny vs. rough, serrated vs. smooth edges, thin vs. thick.
● Plants of various sizes and forms.
● Seasonal variation adds variety and interest: evergreen vs. deciduous, seasonal colour, early leaves vs. late blossoms, and so on.
● Trees, shrubs, vines, ground covers, and blooming perennials come in a rainbow of colours.
● Fragrance to stimulate the senses and encourage inquiry.
● Natural elements such as berries and cones can be used to make crafts.
● Stimulation of the ears, when the wind blows through the dried leaves of some plants, especially in the fall, they make unique sounds. Plants like clumping bamboo and pine trees make sounds all year.
Make a list of plants that are peculiar to each location
For the supplier's convenience, the plant list should include the genus, species, size, number, quality, and variety of plants to be used. Choose plants that are both healthy and acceptable.
Select drought-tolerant, deer-resistant plants that are hardy in your region's playground hardiness zone. If possible, use native plants or those that have been adapted to the location and have a proven record of hardiness. To avoid intense competition with native species, avoid invasive species introduced from different geographic areas. Plants with healthy, complete, and well-shaped root systems are the best. Choose highly branched plants with lush foliage and evidence of rapid growth.
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