Sand is a readily available, naturally-occurring material. The unique composition of its mineral grains gives sand many distinct and useful properties.

Sand is used in a variety of construction and manufacturing settings as filler for road base, to form steel castings, and as an important ingredient in forming mortar and cement. Sand is a popular choice for playgrounds, golf courses, volleyball courts, and horse arenas. However, sand is useful in an even wider variety of areas. Read on to discover three surprising applications for sand.

1. Dairy Applications

Many dairy farms are switching from hay and other organic surfaces like sand as a base in their milk cow barns. Sand can provide many health benefits to cows while in walkways and stalls:

• Less instances of E.coli and streptococci that lead to mastitis and other udder abnormalities
• Fewer injuries due to improved footing and less slipping
• More uniform hoof wear
• Reduction of swollen hocks, hair off hocks, and knee injury



Dairy owners also believe that cows feel sand bedding is more comfortable.

2. Mental and Physical Health Applications

It turns out that sand is good for your mind and body when used in certain activities. Walking and running on sand intensifies your workout. You may burn up 50 percent more calories because you are forced to use your muscles differently than if you jog on a trail wearing shoes. Scientists claim you use up to 2.7 times more energy on sand.



A stroll on a sandy beach is good for your mental health as well because it's relaxing and helps relieves stress. In addition, sand on your bare heel just feels good because you have up to 7,000 nerve endings on those extremities.



Finally, experts believe sand play provides a host of benefits to children. Digging in, touching, and interacting with sand can:



• Promote physical development through the use of large and fine motor skills
• Encourage hand eye development
• Build social skills as children interact with others to create group sand projects
• Complement science and math concepts



Sand activities can be beneficial to both adults and children.

3. Property Owner Applications

Property owners find they can benefit from the many uses that sand offers.



Establish Healthy Turf



A strong, beautiful turf is the ultimate goal for yards, gold courses, sports fields, and playgrounds. Sand plays an important role when used as a top dressing on existing grass. Spread a thin layer - up to ¼ inch - evenly over the grass after core aeration. Top dressing smooths the lawn surface and speeds decomposition to help reduce thatch buildup.



Provide Traction in Winter



Slippery snow and ice creates dangerous surface conditions on walkways, roads, and parking lots. You can use sand to provide safer traction for vehicles and foot traffic. Sand naturally contains no chemicals to leach into nearby landscaping and groundwater or corrode metal.



Create Landscaping Solutions



Sand can be used for a variety of landscaping solutions.



You need an effective base below paving stones, fountains, and other landscaping features. Sand creates a solid, level base that is simple to form and manipulate. Also, sand - rather than mulch in an outdoor seating area - is more stable.



Sand is a good alternative in water-wise landscaping because it is uniform in color, easy to spread, covers weeds, and does not require irrigation. Use different mediums in addition to sand to create interest and focal points. For example, a sand path looks great meandering between gravel and river rock areas.



Finally, sand is easier than sod or mulch to utilize and store in bulk for future landscaping projects because it will not rot.



When you need sand at your home, business, institution, or community area, look to W R Beach, Inc. We can provide sand by the truckload to supplement your material needs at your next project.