Playgrounds - Organic vs. Rubber Mulch

There are so many choices when it comes to choosing a base for playgrounds.  Play sand, peastone, and wood chips only name a few.  So which is the best one to pick? 

The number one recommended base at Organic Mulch & Landscape Supply is the Playground-Certified Mulch.  This mulch has been tested to be free of metals and chemicals, and is certified to be greatly shock absorbent, so that any child's fall will be cushioned.  It is used by many schools and child care centers, because of its certification, but it is also wheelchair accessible, comfortable for bare feet and made of 100% hardwood.  This mulch will not attract bugs, and is triple ground, so it should not cause splinters.  A thin, fresh layer of mulch should be reapplied after a few years, as the mulch compacts.

Wood chips differ from Playground-Certified mulch in that they are not shock absorbent nor are they certified.  The mulch larger wood pieces also mean that it cannot be wheelchair accessible.  Finally if choosing wood chips, be careful of where they are purchased from.  Wood chips can come with whatever went through the wood chipper, meaning twigs, leaves, and sap may be among the items you find in your wood chips.

Rubber mulch is becoming an increasingly popular base for playgrounds, because it is also shock-absorbent and is marketed as "maintenance-free."  However rubber mulch, like Playground-Certified Hardwood Mulch, should be reapplied after a few years, as the mulch compacts. It comes in a variety of sizes and colors, and buyers should pay attention as the mulch can be uncomfortable on bare feet.  Finally, as the rubber breaks down, it releases chemicals from the rubber and dye into the soil, so if you are like most homeowners, who will eventually turn the kids' playground area into a garden or part of the lawn, rubber mulch is not recommended.

Play sand is good to use on playgrounds if you do not have a swing set, as sand is not good for shock absorbency.  It is a great choice for those who want the area to double as a sand box.  One thing to keep in mind, is that play sand can be messier than play mulches. 

Pea stone is also used on playgrounds and is another good choice if you are not concerned about a child falling.  Pea stone should not need any reapplication and won't stick to children's clothes like play sand.

Parents also ask if they need to use any base at all, because, after all, we never had playground bases growing up.  The reason for the emergence of playground bases is partially for the convenience and partially for the safety.  The majority of childhood injury occurs from playgrounds, either at home or in public.  Playground bases also keep the play area maintenance-free.  If you choose to leave grass around your playground, consider that you will have to mow the grass around and under the swing set, slide, etc. and you will need to maneuver your lawn mower around any dividers you put up.  If you choose to leave dirt around your playground, consider that after and during inclement weather, you could have muddy shoes and clothes. 

Playground bases are certainly not necessary, but will definitely keep your playground maintenance-free and could also give you a little piece of mind.  Which type is right for you depends on what you need in terms of your play area.