What Are The Pros of Using Playground Mulch?
- 1. Provides a Safe Cushion One of the main advantages of playground mulch is that it provides a safe cushion for kids in the event of a fall. ...
- 2. Resilient and Long-Lasting Playground mulch is also quite resilient and long-lasting. ...
- 3. Affordable Another great benefit of playground mulch is that it is quite affordable. ...
- 4. Easy to Install ...
- 5. Low Maintenance ...
How deep should playground mulch be?
To achieve the desired effects, Playground Mulch should be spread at least 9" deep. 1 cubic yard will cover an area 36 square feet at a 9" depth; 27 square feet if you apply the recommended 12". Besides, how many inches of mulch do I need for a playground? One to two inches of rubber mulch is enough for landscaping and gardening needs.
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.
What is the best mulch to use?
Using flower bed mulch is one way to do this ... from shredded wood bark to rubber and cocoa bean hulls. Experts say one of the best mulches is compost, which is discarded waste from your yard and kitchen. Since compost is made of organic materials ...
Is cypress mulch good for playgrounds?
You can use other types of wood mulch, but we recommend CHIPS made for playgrounds, not MULCH made for landscaping flower beds. Why? The cypress playground chips are more durable, there's no bark or sticks, plus the size and shape of the chips helps keep the product out of the children's shoes.
What is the purpose of mulch on playgrounds?
Playground mulch is a great option for playground areas. This mulch helps with recycling efforts, and also helps keep children from getting serious injuries if they fall from playground equipment. Mulch is long-lasting meaning that it once it's put in, it doesn't need a lot of maintenance or replacement.
Why do playgrounds have wood chips instead of sand?
Wood chips have a degree of shock absorbency. A 9-inch layer of wood chips will allow a child to safely land from a 10-foot fall, according to American Standard Testing Methods (ASTM), the institution that sets industry safety standards such as this critical fall height requirement.
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's the difference between playground mulch and regular mulch?
Regular mulch is made from organic materials like tree bark and yard waste. Some benefits of regular mulch are that it stops weed growth and controls the rate of water loss. Meanwhile, playground mulch is ground-up natural wood from a sawmill. This type of mulch is great for walking paths and child amusement areas.
Do you put mulch down before playground?
You may be used to pouring wood chips directly into your garden bed, but this tactic won't work for playgrounds. You need a deep bed of mulch to provide a safe, cushioned play area for children. Mulch spread directly on top of the ground will form a thin surface that spreads out and becomes ineffective over time.
What is the safest surface for a playground?
Top 5 Playground Surface Materials1.) Solid Rubber Surface. This is first on the list because it's not only the safest, but it requires the least amount of maintenance. ... 2.) Artificial Grass or Turf. ... 3.) Play Sand and Pea Gravel. ... 4.) Rubber Mulch (Nuggets or Shredded) ... 5.) Engineered Wood Fiber aka: EWF.
Does playground mulch attract mice?
Your garden is naturally filled with plants that may appeal to rodents. This, in combination with the presence of mulching materials, make your garden the ideal space for these pests. Mulches such as straw, wood chips, and leaves offer the mice and their relatives safety and cover.
Does playground mulch attract bugs?
Yes. Termites aren't drawn to the mulch itself but instead to the moist, cool protection it provides. You can find them in similar numbers beneath wood, gravel, bark, and rubber mulch, but fresh wood chips could be an added “food source” attraction.
What is the best thing to put under a playset?
Vinyl mulch is the definite answer to the question, “What is the best material to put under a swing set?” It's the safest choice, the easiest-to-own, and even looks the best in your yard. If you're ready to place your order for rubber mulch or you want to start designing your own set, you're in the right place.
Which is better dirt or mulch?
Garden soil is cultivated by gardeners for growing plants, while mulch acts as a soil cover. Garden soil has been improved with compost or aged manure to add nutrients and organic material. Mulch helps to retain moisture, prevent erosion, and insulate soil against temperature changes.
Does mulch help with grading?
0:522:30Drainage, Grading and Mulch - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf we were just putting mulch in and dump around the foundation without doing any grading then youMoreIf we were just putting mulch in and dump around the foundation without doing any grading then you still will have pockets where water can set settle.
Is mulch an appropriate playground surfacing material?
The seven most common surface/filler materials for playgrounds are: sand. pea gravel. bark mulch/ woodchips.
What are woodchips for playgrounds called?
Playground wood chips, also known as engineered wood fiber, are designed specifically for playgrounds. They have several distinct advantages over regular wood chips/mulch. Playground chips are made from untreated wood, so they are completely free of hazardous chemicals.
Why do playgrounds use tanbark?
It is often placed around playground equipment for the purposes of shock absorption and all-weather maintenance. For circuses and other public arenas, tanbark provides an inexpensive floor covering ideal for providing traction for visitors and shock absorption for performers and animals.
How deep should wood chips be on a playground?
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.
Does playground mulch attract bugs?
Yes. Termites aren't drawn to the mulch itself but instead to the moist, cool protection it provides. You can find them in similar numbers beneath wood, gravel, bark, and rubber mulch, but fresh wood chips could be an added “food source” attraction.
Why is mulch special?
The way they grind the mulch is special because it ensures no splintered ends. Mulch has clean cuts on the end of the wood chips. Also during manufacturing this special mulch goes through several machines to ensure no foreign objects end up in the mulch that could harm a child.
What does IPEMA mulch mean?
IPEMA is an acronym for International Playground Equipment Manufacturers Association. IPEMA is the governing body that created the standard for playground equipment and in turn also oversaw and created ...
Why is wood chip mulch better than shredded mulch?
Wood chips are lighter in weight than traditional shredded mulch so some of the pieces may float away if your playground area is prone to flooding. For a lot of people, this is a better pick than the shredded mulch because this wood is straight from the tree and you can sometimes get this material for free.
What is the best material for a playground?
Wood Chips. Chopped and ground pieces of natural wood, wood chips make a great playground cover material. Usually smoother and less jagged than traditional shredded mulch, the risk of getting a splinter is significantly less with this material.
What is shredded mulch?
Traditional Shredded Mulch. This is the mulch that you are used to seeing in flowerbeds and gardens. Shredded and cut pieces of various kinds of wood. The wood in this mulch is usually a by-product of the lumber and paper industries. That means that this material is usually scrap-wood that’s now been re-purposed.
How much does cedar mulch cost?
Appearance – Beautiful deep color, cedar mulch will add to the appearance of any yard. Cost – $45 – $65 for 1 square yard, that’s 27′ x 27′ filled 12” deep.
What color is cypress mulch?
Appearance – Beautiful deep blonde color, cypress mulch will add to the appearance of any yard
How long does cypress mulch last?
Color fades over time. If you’re getting this material just for the beautiful color, keep in mind that it will eventually fade, probably after 1 – 3 years. Harvesting cypress trees is detrimental to the environment and ecosystem.
What is 100% virgin wood mulch?
This material provides the best fall protection out of all of the wood mulches. Many manufacturers use “ 100% virgin wood “, which means they don’t use wood scraps or recycled wood. This has become a very popular playground surface material, mainly because of its fall protection.
What is the best ground material for a playground?
In most cases, you will find that sand, wood, or rubber mulch comes highly recommended for playgrounds.
How to protect a playground from weeds?
First, you will need to lay landscaping fabric over the entire playground area you are covering as a barrier between the ground and the mulch. This barrier prevents mud and moisture from seeping into the mulch and diminishing the shock absorbency. It will also help combat weeds.
Why do kids use rubber bark?
The rubber bark helps break the fall and create a softer landing for tender knees and hands. This was a huge selling point for me!
What would happen if we didn't have rubber bark under our swing set?
If it weren’t for the rubber play bark we had installed under the swing set, we would have many more trips to urgent care.
Why does mulch fade over time?
Because it’s exposed to weather elements, color fades over time, but at a much slower rate than other types of mulch.
Why is wood prone to mold?
Wood tends to attract unwanted pests and bugs. It’s prone to molding if there is too much moisture settling on top of the mulch. Splinters are possible with wood products. Dyes and harsh chemicals are used to color the wood or maintain the appearance.
What to consider when choosing a playground base?
Keep in mind that while there are no wrong answers it’s important to consider your unique style, the climate you live in, and your family’s needs.
How Do You Install Regular Mulch For a Playground?
Installing regular mulch is a DIY project. You don’t need to hire experts -you only require some muscles, something to level the ground with – a rake will do, your regular mulch, and a weed barrier fabric.
Is Regular Mulch Safe For Children To Play On?
Using regular mulch is safe compared to having no protective cover on a playground. Surprisingly, most people know the only use for regular mulch as topping plants in gardens or landscaping projects . Thus, raising the concern of parents about what to look for when purchasing regular mulch for playgrounds.
What Is the Best Mulch for Playground?
Whether you’re trying to build a mini-playground for your backyard or you’re landscaping a playground for a project, I have everything you need to guide you in what’s the best mulch suited for this kind of setting, and I also have the answers to most (if not all) of your questions.
How Thick Should Playground Mulch Be?
If you want to cushion a 16 feet fall, then the thickness of the mulch for that area should be about 7 inches when it comes to an uncompacted depth and 6 inches for a compacted depth.
How thick should mulch be for 12 feet?
However, if you want to lessen the impact and the injuries from a 12 feet fall, then you can go for a 6-inch thick uncompacted mulch application, meanwhile, 7 inches for compacted depth.
Why do we need rubber mulch?
Additionally, by purchasing rubber mulch, you are helping to conserve resources such as the rubber from the tires, which would lessen the impact of climate change and the different kinds of pollution.
What is pine bark mulch?
A pine bark mulch product is made from the shredding of a pine bark tree, and there are different kinds of products. Suppose you want your pine bark mulch shredding pieces to be fine or bigger. Additionally, the brown color that it has to it will make any playground look way more colorful.
Is engineered wood mulch the same as rubber?
There is a chance that it might contain glass shards, which depends on the retailer that you buy from (whether they are certified or not). All in all, it has pretty much the same benefits and characteristics as rubber but engineered wood mulch is aesthetically more pleasing to the eyes.
Can you put rubber mulch on a playground?
If you decide to place rubber mulch on a ground where it is susceptible for children to displace it , then it’s best only applying it to a ground where there isn’t high traffic. Some of the places where applying rubber mulch aren’t ideal is the ground around swings and slides. Instead, another option you can use plays mats.
What is mulch for kids?
Mulch for Kids. Most gardeners associate mulch with material spread over flower and garden beds. The best types of garden mulch reduce weeds, regulate soil temperature and decompose into the soil, adding nutrients.
What is rubber mulch?
Rubber mulch, called crumb rubber or tire crumb, is essentially chopped up tires. This mulch is obviously not natural or organic, but it is often used for synthetic turf in sports fields, running tracks, golf courses and playgrounds.
What is a kids play area?
A kids' play area is a place for fun, games, a little roughhousing and, without doubt, some tumbles. That's why figuring out a good substance to put under your playground equipment is just as important as selecting the swing set and jungle gym. When you consider safety in a child's play area, you need to pick a ground cover ...
What to use to soften the ground near a child's play area?
When you first think about what to use to soften the ground near a child's play area, you might consider thick, soft grass . Grass can be soft and pleasant to tumble on, but that's only at first. As time passes, and little feet run back and forth, jumping and rolling on it, the grass and soil get compacted.
Is wood mulch safe for kids?
Wood is a safe mulch for kids as long as the wood doesn't contain any products used to resist decay, like toxic chromated copper arsenate (also called CCA). Check with the merchant or packaging to find out if the mulch contains harmful chemicals. Advertisement.
Can mulch be used on a playground?
A mulch intended for playground use is a different animal entirely. You want it to be a buffer between child and hard ground, stand up to lots of traffic and last a fairly long time. But whatever mulch you select, it must not contain any ingredients that can harm kids' skin or lungs. Advertisement.
Is mulch harmful to kids?
But you'll also want to be sure that the mulch you choose is not toxic or harmful to kids. Advertisement.
What is rubber mulch?
Rubber Mulch from Adventure World Play Sets 1 Rubber mulch is 100% splinter-free — just like vinyl playsets are. 2 Rubber is completely immune to mold growth, so it stays safe and clean for your children. 3 You’ll never need to replace our mulch. In fact, the rubber mulch surrounding your swing set will last as long as the playset itself — which is a really, really long time. 4 Our mulch is stylish and comes in five creative color choices. 5 Most importantly, rubber mulch provides the best fall protection for your kids — bar none.
What does the depth of rubber mulch mean?
The depth of rubber mulch you place around your set determines the height of a fall your children will be protected from.
What is the safest playground material?
The rubber mulch from Adventure World Play Sets is the safest, most stylish, and BEST playground material on the market.
What are the downsides of wood mulch?
Downsides of Wood Mulch. Although wood mulch does have comparable fall projection to our own ultra-safe brand of rubber mulch, there are some definite downsides. The downsides concern its use around children — and the maintenance frustrations for parents. Splinters — Since this type of mulch is made of real wood, ...
How far off the ground can you put rubber mulch?
If you place 6 inches of rubber mulch — you can count on protection from a fall of up to 12 feet off the ground. However, if you opt for wood mulch — placing 9 inches of mulch only provides you protection from a fall of up to 7 feet off the ground.
Why do we wrap playgrounds in vinyl?
We wrap our playsets and swing sets in vinyl to ensure they are the safest, splinter-free sets on the market. That’s why we use rubber as our recommended ultra-safe playground material.
How many playground injuries are caused by falling?
In fact, the National Program for Playground Safety estimates that 80% of playground injuries are the result of falling. That doesn’t mean that children shouldn’t get to enjoy swing sets and playing outside — it means that we should put the best precautions in place to prevent serious injury.
