Choosing the right playground mulch is an important decision. The mulch you select needs to be safe, low maintenance, and visually appealing while fitting within your budget. With so many options available, it can be tricky to determine which type of mulch is best for your specific needs. This article will explore the most common playground mulches, their key differences, and things to consider when deciding which one is right for your play area.
What is Playground Mulch?
Playground mulch refers to materials spread across the ground under and around playground equipment. It serves several important purposes:
- Safety: Mulch cushions falls and reduces injuries from playground equipment. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends 9 inches of mulch for fall heights under 7 feet.
- Accessibility: Certain mulches like engineered wood fibers allow wheelchair access.
- Appearance: Mulch comes in various colours to complement the playground design.
- Weed Control: A thick layer of mulch prevents weed growth.
- Moisture Retention: Mulch retains soil moisture and protects roots.
- Drainage: Permeable mulches prevent puddles from forming.
- Low Maintenance: Quality mulches don’t decompose rapidly, so you don’t have to replenish them often.
Types of Playground Mulch
Organic Playground Mulches
Inorganic Playground Mulches
- These mulches come from natural materials and are biodegradable.
- Wood Chips – Made from shredded wood and bark. Often used in landscapes.
- Engineered Wood Fibers (EWF) – Manufactured from virgin wood sources without twigs, bark, or leaves. Considered superior to regular wood chips.
- Pine Bark Nuggets – Shredded pine bark retains colour and resists decay better than organic options.
- These mulches are man-made. They last longer than organic options.
- Rubber Mulch – Made from shredded recycled tires. Provides excellent shock absorption.
- Rubber Tiles – Interlocking tiles made of recycled rubber. Easy to install over existing surfaces.
- Poured-in-Place Rubber – Rubber bound together to form a seamless surface. Most shock absorbent options.
Key Differences Between Mulches
Safety
The highest safety rating comes from rubber mulch and poured rubber surfacing. For organic mulches, engineered wood fibers are safer than wood chips.
Cost
Inorganic mulches are generally more expensive upfront than organic mulches. But organic mulches like wood chips break down faster and need frequent replacement.
Maintenance
Organic mulches decompose and compact over time. Inorganic mulches are more durable but can be displaced and need occasional redistribution.
Appearance
Organic mulches like wood chips offer a natural look. Inorganic mulches come in more colour options.
Accessibility
Engineered wood fibers and rubber mulches are wheelchair accessible. Options like pea gravel are not ADA-compliant.
Environmental Impact
Organic mulches like EWF are renewable and biodegradable. But rubber mulch keeps tires out of landfills.
7 Key Considerations When Choosing Playground Mulch
- Playground Usage – Consider traffic patterns, play equipment height and types of play. Rubber works best for high-use areas.
- Age of Children – Look for soft, rounded edges for toddlers. Materials like pea gravel pose choking hazards.
- Fall Heights – Use depth charts to determine how much mulch you need. More is required for taller equipment.
- Accessibility – Rubber mulch and EWF allow wheelchair access. Gravel does not.
- Drainage – Some mulches like rubber drain better than wood chips. Factor in climate and grading.
- High Winds – Lightweight mulch-like wood chips blow away more easily. Heavier rubber stays in place.
- Pets or Wildlife – Consider whether neighbourhood animals treat organic mulch as a bathroom.
Top 3 Most Popular Playground Mulches
1. Engineered Wood Fibers
Engineered wood fibers (EWF) strike the best safety, cost, and appearance balance. EWF is manufactured specifically for playgrounds. It’s softer, lighter, and more flexible than wood chips.
Our premium EWF wood chip product is a knife cut for clean, smooth edges, unlike hammer-milled chips, which can have jagged, unsafe edges. Our EWF is made from 100% virgin wood and contains no recycled materials, eliminating any metal or chemical contamination risk.
Cedar EWF (Fiber Weave Cedar EWF)
- Pros:
- Certified Safe: IPEMA certified, ensuring it meets safety standards for fall attenuation and tramp metals and sizing analysis.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Natural wood look enhances playground aesthetics.
- Durable Surface: The Cedar fibre knit offers a unique soft yet durable surface.
- Eco-Friendly: 100% derived from sustainable forestry by-products.
- No Contaminants: Doesn’t use recycled wood or land-clear materials, eliminating risks of metal or chemical contamination.
Cons:
- Decomposition: Being organic, it might decompose over time and require replenishment.
- Maintenance: Might require periodic maintenance to ensure even spread and depth.
Regular EWF (Fibertop EWF)
Pros:
- High Impact Attenuation: Provides superior protection against falls.
- Accessibility: Meets standards for playground surface accessibility.
- Cost-Effective: Offers high fall impact protection at a competitive cost.
- Natural Appearance: Blends seamlessly with natural surroundings.
- Safe Materials: Fresh from the sawmill, ensuring no metal or chemical contamination.
Cons:
- Decomposition: Like Cedar EWF, it’s organic and might decompose over time.
- Maintenance: Requires periodic maintenance to maintain its safety features.
- Moisture Retention: Might retain moisture, leading to potential mold or mildew growth.
2. Rubber Mulch
Rubber mulch is the most durable option that provides unmatched safety:
- Highest shock absorption rating
- ADA-compliant for accessibility
- Withstands heavy use without compaction
- Doesn’t blow away easily
- Excellent drainage prevents puddles
- Resists fading from sun exposure
- Available in bright colour options
- Contains no toxic chemicals when certified
- Made sustainably from recycled tires
The downsides are the higher upfront cost and limited organic appearance.
3. Wood Chips
Regular wood chips or mulch offer an affordable organic option:
- Natural appearance blends into landscaping
- Softer surface than grass or dirt
- Provides decent shock absorption when deep enough
- Lowest upfront cost of all mulches
- Easy availability from local sources
However, wood chips are not ideal for playgrounds. They require yearly replenishment as they decompose. Water can puddle in compacted areas. And improper processing can result in splinters. Wood chips offer an economical choice for small play areas balanced with drawbacks.
Choosing Quality Playground Mulch
Not all mulches are created equal. When purchasing, look for:
- Industry Certifications: Check for stamps like IPEMA approval.
- Compliance Standards: Ensure the mulch meets safety guidelines like ASTM F1292 and ASTM F1951.
- Manufacturer Reputation: Select reliable brands known for quality and safety.
- Product Performance Data: Review lab test results for shock absorption, wheelchair access, and other specs.
- Bulk Delivery Options: Bulk delivery is the most economical for large projects.
Revolutionary Playground Mulch Installation
Proper installation ensures your playground mulch provides maximum safety. The traditional method using wheelbarrows and rakes leads to uneven, subpar results.
That’s why the game-changing blower truck technology from Organix Applied is revolutionizing playground mulch installation.
Our blower truck can precisely install hundreds of yards of mulch per day – up to 20 times faster than manual methods. Our pneumatic system places mulch at an even depth for a smooth, consistent layer. No wheelbarrow marks or uneven spots.
The blower truck can access any area of your playground through 300ft of maneuverable hose. And our installation leaves no trace behind, unlike turf damage caused by heavy equipment. It’s the new gold standard for commercial playground projects.
Make the Right Playground Mulch Decision
Choosing the ideal playground mulch involves balancing safety, cost, appearance, and maintenance. Evaluate which traits are most important for your play area. Seek expert guidance and samples before purchasing. With the right mulch, you can ensure your playground provides a safe and fun space for kids to play.