What is the best mulch for playground?
Wood mulch: engineered and pinewood mulch
- Rubber mulch. Wood mulch/chips, pea gravel, and sand may in often cases turn into a compacted or hard surface with frequent use, which is not necessarily what you would require.
- Poured rubber and rubber tiles mulch. Poured rubber and rubber tiles are more convenient when compared to cheap rubber mulch. ...
- Comparison between wood mulch and rubber mulch. ...
How to install playground mulch?
Then, follow the steps below for ordering and spreading mulch:
- Find the square footage of the excavated and prepared playground area.
- Order mulch from a garden supplier by the cubic yard.
- 1 cubic yard will cover a 324 square-foot area at a depth of 1 inch.
- If your playground is 300 square feet and has been excavated to a depth of 8 inches, you’ll need about 8 cubic yards of mulch.
How much playground mulch calculator?
Mulch is commonly sold in cubic yards. One cubic yard of mulch is enough to cover an area of 324 square feet at 1 inch deep. To calculate how much mulch you need, you can therefore use the formula: Mulch required = Square footage of area × depth / 324. Mulch required (cubic yards) = Square footage × desired depth (in) / 324.
How much does Rubber mulch cost?
The average cost of laying down mulch made of recycled tires, otherwise known as rubber mulch, is between $80 and $160 a cubic yard. The recycled tire mulch cost may be a little higher than other types, but it is a good alternative when you need a long-lasting material that protects the soil that is also soft underfoot.
What are the disadvantages of rubber mulch?
Rubber mulch is suspected of being toxic to plants, containing high levels of zinc which leaches into the soil, causing chlorosis. It also poses health concerns, as it releases heavy metals, plasticizers, and accelerators into the environment.
What kind of mulch is best for playgrounds?
rubber mulchIt might seem like that is asking a lot when it comes to playground surfacing, but rubber mulch has proven to be the best mulch for playground areas.
Is rubber mulch better than wood mulch for playgrounds?
Rubber mulch has superior shock absorption and outperforms wood mulch (and even gravel and sand), and is thus considered the safest playground surfacing material.
Is rubber mulch safe for kids playground?
Federal and independent safety manuals, Hampton added, all point to rubber mulch as a safe surface for playgrounds. “All of them say the same thing,” said Hampton. “This is an appropriate material to be used in a playground.”
What can I use instead of rubber mulch for a playground?
Depending on your needs, you can use pebbles, gravel, natural mulch, artificial turf and organic mulch such as leaves, grass clippings, and organic kitchen waste.
Does rubber mulch attract termites?
It allows water and fertilizer applications to pass through to the soil. Rubber mulch also does not attract termites or carpenter ants like wood mulch does, which will protect your flowers, plants and home from the pests.
What are the pros and cons of rubber mulch?
Rubber mulch will stay in place for years to insulate plant roots from heat and cold, keep down weeds, and discourage pests.Requires Little Maintenance. ... Won't Drift Away. ... Doesn't Attract Pests. ... Insulates Well. ... Inhibits Weed Growth. ... Improves Safety in Play Areas. ... Costs More Up Front. ... Poses a Minor Fire Hazard.More items...
How long does rubber mulch last on a playground?
about 10 yearsYou can expect rubber mulch to last about 10 years before needing to do a comprehensive replacement of the material. (That being said, you'll have to top off the rubber playground mulch during that time, which can add up.) It's not biodegradable and does not decompose like natural wood.
Does rubber mulch get hot in the summer?
In hot, sunny weather, rubber mulch gets hot. Rubber mulch absorbs the heat of the sun. On a hot summer day, the mulch also gets hot — sometimes, uncomfortably so for children.
Is rubber mulch toxic to children?
Ground rubber also contains a class of chemicals called Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that many studies have found extremely toxic to humans and the environment. Research has also found that the toxicity of leachate from the rubber tire mulch increases over time as the rubber breaks down.
What is the safest playground mulch?
EWF is by far the safest and absorbs an impact of up to 12 feet when properly maintained at a 12-inch thickness. Although it looks like wood mulch, EWF is designed specifically for playground safety.
Does rubber mulch attract bugs?
It won't attract insects. Unlike soil and wood, rubber isn't attractive for insects to build nests in or gnaw on. This is particularly true for ants and termites. Some even use rubber mulch as a sort of insulation around their homes to keep insects at bay.
Is there a difference between playground mulch and regular mulch?
Regular mulch releases organic material into the soil whereas playground mulch does not. Playground mulch is great for applications when function is more important than looks, such as a playground, walking path or dog run.
Should you put mulch under playset?
Safety. Wood playground mulch is a fairly safe option. Wood mulch offers decent shock absorption, as nine inches of wood mulch can protect against falls of up to seven feet. Surfacing playgrounds with wood mulch also offers good slip resistance, as it absorbs and drains moisture.
What kind of wood chips are used for playgrounds?
The best kind of wood chip to use as a playground ground cover is engineered wood fiber (EWF) because of its shock absorption and additional safety features.
How thick should playground mulch be?
The rule of thumb for how deep playground mulch should be is 8-12 inches, but every playground is different. Depth requirements for protective surfacing vary according to the materials used and the height of the equipment.
How much does rubber mulch cost?
Rubber mulch is in the lower-middle price range of playground surfacing. Installation of rubber mulch playground surfacing varies per square foot,...
Is playground rubber mulch ASTM compliant?
Depending on the installation, rubber mulch can provide an adequate degree of protection to children, meeting acceptable ASTM standards. Learn More
How do you install rubber mulch for playground surfaces?
We recommend installation by a professional in any scenario, those on a strict budget may be able to research installation instructions to be able...
What is the best mulch for a playground?
Rubber Mulch is Popular, But is it the Best Option for Playground Flooring? Playground rubber mulch (also known as tire mulch or shredded rubber mulch)
What is rubber mulch?
Rubber mulch is in the lower-middle price range of playground surfacing. Installation of rubber mulch playground surfacing varies per square foot, based on factors such as how large the playground is if you’re outsourcing the installation, product availability in your area, and where you’re buying it from. Learn More.
How long does rubber mulch last?
You can expect rubber mulch to last about 10 years before needing to do a comprehensive replacement of the material. (That being said, you’ll have to top off the rubber playground mulch during that time, which can add up.)
Can you use loose rubber mulch on a playground?
Loose-fill rubber playground mulch (which we don’t install) isn’t the only rubber playground surfacing option. For larger playgrounds (at schools, parks, daycare centers, and other public playgrounds), we recommend considering a uniform rubber surface like poured-in-place rubber or rubber playground tiles.
Is rubber mulch cheaper than wood mulch?
Your best bet is to shop around online and decide whether you’ll install it yourself or pay someone else to install it. You can expect rubber mulch to have a slightly higher up-front cost than wood mulch, because of the better quality of its materials.
Is rubber mulch good for children?
Pros: If using the right type of rubber mulch and installed in a proper manner, rubber mulch can be able to provide an adequate degree of protection to children, meeting acceptable ASTM standards .
Can rubber mulch be replaced?
With a loose fill material like shredded/recycled rubber mulch that can wash away, you may find you need to replace or replenish it sooner than what is recommended. That’s particularly the case if the playground is located in an area that does not allow for adequate rainwater drainage.
Pros of rubber mulch
One thing that makes rubber mulch such a popular choice for playgrounds nowadays is the excellent safety from slips and falls that it provides. Rubber mulch gives more cushion and bounce than sand, gravel, wood mulch, or any other common playground ground material. It is considered safe to protect children from falls of up to 12 feet.
Cons of rubber mulch
The biggest concern held by those who are against rubber mulch is typically the possibility of harmful chemicals or gases being present on or released by the mulch.
Toxic rubber
If by now you’ve settled on using rubber mulch as the base for your playground, the most important decision is which kind to use. There are many different options out there, and certain types of rubber mulch are said to be toxic.
Alternatives to rubber mulch
If you decide not to go with rubber mulch for your playground, there are a few other viable options. One of the most popular is wood mulch. With wood mulch you don’t have to worry about chemicals or wires or anything of that sort, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t drawbacks. Wood mulch will fade and lose its color over time.
Conclusion
In the end, whether you use rubber mulch or something else as a playground flooring isn’t what’s going to make or break your playground. Hopefully this information will help you make a more informed decision for your family. Building or buying a play area for the kids can add charm and fun to your backyard for everyone.
What is the best material for a playground?
One popular material used when designing soft surface playgrounds for children safety is crumb rubber made from shredded recycled tires, but this material may bring additional health risks.
Where was rubber mulch collected?
The research team collected several samples of crumb rubber mulch from 16 parks in Bryan and College Station. They then analyzed those samples in the laboratory to measure concentrations of heavy metals like lead, chromium and zinc. Next, they combined the results for samples from each park to produce average values and compared those values to existing safety standards. The research team chose research methods and safety standards that are comparable to those used when testing toys for heavy metals in the United States and Europe.
Is it safe to play with crumb rubber?
Although the concentrations of heavy metals appear to be safe, the researchers did note elevated levels of lead, zinc and selenium. Because of this it is prudent to take a few steps to guard the health of children who play on playgrounds that use crumb rubber. Hand-to-mouth and object-to-mouth exposure present the greatest risks, so caregivers should try to keep children from eating or drinking while sitting or lying on crumb rubber surfaces and children should wash their hands before eating or drinking. It may also be beneficial to limit the time children spend playing on worn surfaces as there may be a higher risk of ingesting small pieces of crumb rubber. Policy makers may also have roles to play as there are currently no federal regulations on crumb rubber use and only a handful of state and local governments have enacted policies restricting its use.
Is crumb rubber safe?
The researchers note that future studies should investigate additional exposure routes and compare heavy metal concentrations between different types of crumb rubber. Studies that investigate exposure levels in children could also be useful for assessing the safety of crumb rubber. Additionally, as tires frequently contain substances associated with health risks such as volatile organic compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, analyses of these compounds in crumb rubber could be beneficial.
Is there a federal regulation on crumb rubber?
Policy makers may also have roles to play as there are currently no federal regulations on crumb rubber use and only a handful of state and local governments have enacted policies restricting its use. The findings of this study are informing and reassuring.
Is rubber mulch safe for playgrounds?
For now it appears that rubber mulch is safe for use in playgrounds, and caregivers can make things even safer by following a few simple guidelines. However, the use of crumb rubber in playgrounds and other facilities should continue to be studied to help ensure the health and safety of children. — Rae Lynn Mitchell.
How do I keep rubber mulch in place?
Low maintenance - since it won’t harbor fungi, mold, or weeds, a simple raking or hosing down is enough to keep rubber mulch pristine and in place.
Why do we inspect playgrounds?
Parks and playgrounds are just some of the places where several factors need to be thoroughly inspected to ensure our children’s safety (and our peace of mind). Aside from meeting safety zones, doing away with all protrusion and head entrapment hazards, meeting age-appropriate equipment, and other requirements - there is the matter of having the proper protective surface installed.
Is rubber mulch good for the White House?
Rubber Mulch. Playground rubber mulch has been around long enough to earn a spot at the White House playground, as well as in numerous play areas and parks all over the country. If you find yourself interested in rubber mulch as a potential playground surfacing, it’s best to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
Is rubber playground tile expensive?
Pricier - since they are typically priced per tile, the initial cost of rubber playground tiles can come at a higher price tag compared to other surfacing materials.
Can playground tiles be weather resistant?
Weather-resistant - you can expect playground tiles to stay put even in extreme weather conditions, as long as they are thick and heavy enough and installed properly.
Do all rubber tiles have fall protection?
Not all tiles meet fall height protection requirements - depending on the manufacturer, thickness and springiness per rubber tile could vary. This means that the critical fall height it offers might also be inconsistent.
Do you need a rubber mulch barrier?
Will need a barrier to stop spillage - rubber mul ch nuggets can unfortunately spill over from the play area if not properly bordered by either a rubber barrier or other stronger materials.
What is the best material for a playground?
Compared to various other materials, rubber mulch provides superior fall protection and is the best material for playground surface for both commercial and residential use.
What is the most popular playground surfacing material?
Playground wood chips have been the most popular playground surfacing material for years, despite needing regular replacement and causing splinters and slivers. Wood chips decay over time, attract pests, can be blown or washed away in harsh weather.
How to reduce the chance of playground injuries?
Reduce the chance of playground injuries by utilizing rubber mulch. Unlike other playground surface materials, rubber mulch will not compact or turn into a hard surface, even after frequent use. It will continue to provide superior fall protection, keeping your playground safe through many years of daily use.
How much fall protection does sand provide?
Playground sand provides up to 5 feet of fall protection, compared to rubber mulch clearance of 10 to 12 feet, and it compacts quickly upon impact, making for a more painful fall. Sand is messy, gets scorchingly hot in the sun, and attracts animals like a giant litterbox.
How deep should rubber play flooring be?
For residential play area application, a depth of 3” rubber playground flooring is recommended. This will provide incredible fall protection for residential play areas. Depending on the structure in your backyard, you can adjust the depth accordingly.
Is rubber mulch safe for children?
Rubber mulch is non-toxic and safe for use around children and pets. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) published a playground safety surfacing guideline for public playgrounds, stating rubber mulch is an appropriate loose-fill surfacing material for use on commercial playgrounds.
Can pea gravel be used as a playground?
Using pea gravel or wood mulch as a surfacing material for playgrounds results in battle scars for children and accident horror stories for their parents. What would be a small scrape or bruise on rubber mulch easily equates to broken bones, wood mulch slivers, concussions, severe cuts or worse on other playground surfaces. Reduce the chance of playground injuries by utilizing rubber mulch.
What are the Disadvantages of Rubber Mulch to the Environment?
Despite having many advantages, there are a few drawbacks related to rubber mulching.
How Do you Dispose of Rubber Mulch?
After you have used your rubber mulch, it may not be easy to dispose of it since it’s inorganic. Yet, the following are suggestions on what to do with your rubber mulch after removing it from the soil.
Is it OK to Use Rubber Mulch Around Plants?
Yes, it is critical to use rubber mulch around the plants. It does not affect plants grown in any way. Yet it prevents nutrient competition from the weeds, making the plants grow faster. The fact that rubber mulch allows water to pass into the plant roots makes it ok to use around plants.
Is Rubber Mulch Good for Children’s Playgrounds?
Rubber mulch is safe for playgrounds with kids of all ages since it’s safe and non-toxic.
Is Rubber Mulch Good for the Soil?
Rubber mulch is advantageous to the soil. It prevents erosion as it is much heavier and not quickly eroded even during a heavy storm. Besides being heavy, it’s tough enough to control the splashing water from reaching the soil.
Is Rubber Mulch Good for the Environment?
Yes, rubber mulch is good for the environment. It works as an insulator to the soil against heat from the sun and keeps the environment neat.
What is rubber mulch?
The Benefits of Rubber Mulch. Rubber mulch usually looks just like wood mulch, but it’s also available in a variety of colors and textures for those who want a different look for their landscaping. Along with its unique aesthetic, it's also gaining in popularity for its benefits.
How long does rubber mulch last?
Rubber mulch isn't organic, so it lasts much longer than wood, straw, and leaf alternatives. Some manufacturers claim their rubber mulches can last up to 10 years before you need to replace them. Wood mulch, on the other hand, breaks down completely in four to seven years.
Why do you need to separate rubber mulch from the soil?
Because it's inorganic and takes many, many years to properly break down, rubber mulch has to be kept separate from the soil. You’ll need to add a layer of hard wearing landscaping fabric between the two layers.
What is the anti-rubber mulch faction?
The anti-rubber-mulch faction points to concerns over chemicals leaching from the rubber and contaminating the soil. This guide explores the pros and cons of rubber mulch so you can make up your own mind and choose the right mulch for your garden.
What is organic mulch?
Organic mulches break down quickly and add fibrous matter and valuable nutrients to the soil, replenishing the quantity and quality of your topsoil. Organic mulch is also easy to till into the soil, improving drainage and soil structure quickly and easily.
What to do if landscaping fabric splits?
If the landscaping fabric splits or you make the mistake of foregoing the barrier layer, letting the rubber mulch and soil mix, you may need to hire a local professional landscaper to remove the entire top layer of soil.
Why shouldn't you eat mulch?
Because of the risk of chemical and heavy metal contamination, you should not grow anything you plan to eat in soil that has—or had—rubber mulch applied, as the contaminants can end up in your produce, and you really don't want to eat it.
