Playground Mulch Basics
Whether you own a daycare or have a playground set in your backyard, you want to ensure that the children who play on your property remain safe. Playground mulch is a great option because it is environmentally safe and will help prevent serious injury if your children or daycare kids fall off the playground. Here are a few basic tips to help you choose and maintain your playground mulch.
Playground Mulch Options
There are several mulch options available, and the type you choose is dependent upon your personal preference and budget. Here are a few of the best playground mulch options to choose from:
- Rubber mulch. Constructed from recycled tires, rubber mulch is a more costly option. However, it is safe and will last for several months or years because the product does not degrade.
- Landscape mulch. Wood mulch is available in a variety of price points and colors. This is a good option if you are on a budget or have a large area to cover.
- Engineered wood mulch. Unlike landscape mulch, which might contain twigs and other debris, engineered wood mulch is specifically manufactured with safety in mind and is an ideal choice for use on playgrounds.
Whatever type of mulch you choose, make sure to create a budget to determine the best option for you based upon how much mulch you need and the areas you need covered.
Laying Down Your Playground Mulch
Begin by removing any leftover mulch and other obstructions that are under the playground. Use a rake to level out the dirt or grass below the playground. Next, create a layout by using landscape edging. Use landscape fabric in the area under the playground to prevent the mulch from spreading or being pushed into the soil.
Cover the area with a layer of at least one foot of playground mulch. Spread out the mulch with a rake, making sure that there is a sufficient layer of the mulch underneath the playground equipment.
Playground Mulch Maintenance
Check the playground mulch at least once a month to ensure that the layer is maintained and that the mulch is not compacted. Use a rake to spread out the mulch. Add new mulch when needed to keep it at the optimum level for safety. When you replace the mulch entirely is dependent upon the type of mulch you had. Typically, you will need to completely replace wood mulch more often than rubber mulch.
Playground mulch is a great way to prevent injuries and maintain the aesthetic appeal of the playground area.
For more information on playground mulch, contact a company like Watson's Tree Services-Soil & Mulch.