Adding a great new piece of play equipment to your backyard is exciting and fun…once you’ve decided where to put it! Placement of your wooden swing set is important and you need to consider it carefully. Chances are you won't want to move it once it’s in place, and depending on how it’s setup, may not be able to even if you wanted to.

A wooden swing set is not like having a new couch delivered. You can’t wait until it arrives and then decide where it should go. Before you even start shopping for a swing set, it’s important that you measure the area you’re contemplating putting it. The size of your yard, even more than your budget, will ultimately determine which set you get.

You’ll need at least 6 feet on all sides extending out from the swing set to allow for ‘energetic’ swinging, and room for Mom or Dad to stand when pushing someone on the swing. Ideally, a swing set should be put on the flattest area of your yard. Uneven ground is more likely to cause screws and bolts to become loose. It’s also important to have a flat area beneath the end of the slide.

The best spot for your swing set is one that doesn't get the hot sun of mid afternoon. A semi-shaded area is great, just be sure you allow enough room that lower branches won't be in the way of the swing set, or worse, close enough to tempt the ‘climbers’ in the group.

It’s also a good idea, if possible, to choose a spot that can easily be seen from inside the house, from the kitchen window, for example, or the living room area. While squabbles between children can never be completely avoided, they’re more likely to ‘play nice’ if they know there’s always the chance Mom or Dad is watching.

Plus it may help cut down on the number of times someone screams “Hey Mom, watch me!” if they know you’re keeping a close eye on them, even if it’s from the air-conditioned comfort of the living room sofa.

When selecting a spot for the swing set, make sure it’s an area that you don't mind giving up the hope of grass ever growing there again. You’ll want to put down a large area of shock absorbent material under and around the swing set for the occasional falls that are bound to happen.

Once you think you have a suitable spot picked out, take note of the immediate surroundings. Are there any exposed roots that pose a tripping hazard? Any small trees or bushes that will be in the way when they’ve gotten larger? Is it a low-lying area that accumulates water when it rains? Do you have any lawn ornaments or fixtures that will be in the way?

There’s a lot to consider, but thinking it through beforehand can save you a lot of work and effort later. Getting a wooden swing set home is exciting, but having to load it up and return it because your yard won’t accommodate it can be devastating for a little one.