Wood chips are the most popular ground-cover material for playgrounds thanks to great shock absorbency, which helps reduce and even prevent injuries from falls. Additionally, wood chips' ability to shed moisture is beneficial.
It's not biodegradable, and it lacks key nutrients needed to replenish the soil. Rubber mulch may contaminate soil. Rubber leaches zinc, aluminum, cadmium, and chromium, although there hasn't been enough study about the specific effects of rubber mulch on gardens to say just how harmful this leaching process is.
Wood mulch is the most commonly used backyard playground surface material since it is great at protecting against fall injuries at most heights. When comparing naturally occurring surface product, wood mulch is the least effected by weather and erosion; compared to sand and pea gravel.
Engineered wood fiber (EWF) is considered the cheapest playground surfacing option at roughly $3-$5 per square foot. Relatively cheap and easy to install, Wood Mulch is one of the most popular playground surfacing options.
Rubber Mulch
It is arguably the best mulch for playground safety. And, it comes in tons of different colors for a fun, unique look.
Materials that are often used to cover playground floor surfaces include bark soft-fall, impact-absorbing sand, wet pour rubber and rubber tiles and pavers.
Unlike sand, rubber mulch can also be washed off keeping it clean and free from bacteria. It's virtually maintenance free and will last without compacting for many years of outdoor playground fun.
Concrete, grass, and dirt are not considered appropriate playground surfacing. Sand and pea gravel are poor choices due to the limited fall height protection. Pea gravel is a choking hazard and should not be installed on playgrounds intended for children under three years of age.
There are three main types of unitary playground surfacing options – PIP, rubber tiles and synthetic turf. Each type offers unique features and challenges.
Concerns of Rubber Mulch
It is widely agreed upon that rubber is safer for children when it comes to fall protection and other abrasions such as splinters and scratches, but the main concern that surrounds rubber mulch is the toxicity levels.
Dangers of rubber tire mulch
The EPA has found these chemicals cause cancer, headaches, nausea, contact dermatitis, and allergies.
If you're wanting pattern design and long-lasting bright colours, wet pour is the best option. If you're wanting a more natural look or a product that can suppress weeds, rubber mulch is the best option. If you need a slip resistant surface that's suitable for nurseries and younger children, wet pour is better.
Our answer – No. We do not recommend putting landscape fabric underneath your mulch for the simple reason that it usually causes more problems than any benefit it provides. For one, the fabric blocks the transfer of beneficial microorganisms from passing through that layer of soil.
Engineered Wood Fiber Is the Best Playground Ground Cover
It's readily available, ADA compliant, economical, long-lasting, low in maintenance and above all —safe. EWF has an attractive appearance and works well with any landscape theme. It's slip-resistant and gives a soft, springy cushion to the ground.
Mulch for Playgrounds
They should be installed at a minimum depth of 300mm.
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.
EPA-endorsed: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has actually endorsed the use of rubber mulch for playground surfaces. The agency has also done surface and atmospheric tests on playgrounds using rubber mulch, and found no significant adverse human or environmental effects.
We recommend Melcourt PlayBark® for play areas that receive medium to heavy foot traffic and above all require a soft, cushioned surface.
SOFT LANDING RUBBER MULCH (SLRM)
So soft you can walk barefoot, and unlikely to cause injury if thrown. Rubber mulch makes backyard swingsets much safer because it does not absorb water or freeze like traditional mulch does.
Rubber playground mulch provides the greatest impact absorption of all materials. Six inches of rubber mulch can protect for falls up to ten feet. Like wood mulch, rubber mulch also has the potential for displacement, so it should be monitored to ensure highly-trafficked areas have enough coverage.
The most common playground-related injuries that require a doctor's care are: Broken bones (fractures) Sprains and strains. Internal organ injuries.