Playground Mulch Options

Rubber Mulch

• Rubber mulch chips are made from recycled tires, which makes it a very Earth-friendly, safe surfactant for a playground. Not only is it impact-absorbent, it also meets safety standards set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Rubber mulch requires little to no maintenance, does not encourage the growth of fungus and mold and is also desirable because it will not cling to children's clothing or shoes. It is recommended to use between 4 and 6 inches of mulch for a home playground for safety purposes. The downside to using this type of mulch is that it requires a much larger investment upfront than traditional playground mulches.

Pea Gravel

• Pea gravel is a very commonly used mulch for playgrounds. As it is much denser than bark mulch, it is an economical choice for a playground surfactant because it does not need to be replaced as often. Pea gravel should never be used alone over a concrete slab, as using it in this manner can result in injuries from falls. It is suggested to place the pea gravel over a grassy area instead. Pea gravel should be poured to a depth of at least 7 inches for good shock absorbency.

Cedar Mulch

• Cedar mulch is often used in playgrounds because of its insect-repelling properties. Another benefit to this option for a playground surfactant is that it holds its scent much longer than other varieties of mulch. Something to consider when thinking of using cedar mulch for the playground is it that it tends to be messy after a rainy day and can stick to children's clothing. Cedar mulch should not be placed over a concrete slab, and should have a depth of at least 7 inches to give added protection from falls.