Shop Playground Mulch
This mulch has been certified by the International Play Equipment Manufacturer’s Association (IPEMA) for safety based on the specified fall height requested by the manufacturer. This product is made up of clean wood chips used primarily for playgrounds, swing sets or walking paths. There are no leaves, sticks or branches in this product. It has a light blonde color that is desirable for playgrounds. For playgrounds, we recommend a depth of 3″ to 6″ of mulch. Mulch Barn Supply has been helping make recreation areas safer by providing certified playground mulch that creates a shock-absorbing surface to reduce the impact of falls.
What is Playground Mulch?
Playground mulch is a covering that forms a shock-absorbent layer on top of hard surfaces. You can use playground mulch to cover all sorts of recreational areas, including public parks, school playgrounds, and daycare centers. Moreover, you can use playground mulch in residential or commercial play areas.
Playground mulch is certified by IPEMA (International Playground Equipment Manufactures Association). The certification process involves evaluating the mulch’s impact attenuation and material composition. Certified mulch typically has the following characteristics:
- An excellent ability to absorb shock
- Made of clean wood chips
- Free of toxic substances
- Ability to endure heavy use for a reasonable time
Playground Mulch vs Regular Mulch
While both are classified as mulch, playground mulch and regular mulch serve distinct purposes.
The playground mulch is made from shredded or chipped wood. Wood chips are somewhat soft, hence good shock absorbers.
On the contrary, regular mulch is often used in gardening and landscaping. This type of mulch helps the soil retain moisture during dry seasons. Moreover, the mulch suppresses weed growth and enhances the aesthetics of garden beds. Regular mulch consists of compostable organic materials; these include shredded bark, straw, compost, and leaves. Regular mulch tends to be aged before it’s sold and must be replenished much sooner than Playground Mulch. It can also include dyes.
Playground Mulch Benefits
- Safety: Playground mulch is a soft, cushioned surface that reduces the risk of injury from falls. Wood mulch is a safe choice that doesn’t release harmful chemicals.
- Long-lasting: Mulch doesn’t need a lot of maintenance once it’s installed.
- Weed control: Mulch can discourage the growth of weeds, which can reduce maintenance needs.
- Appearance: Mulch can help make a playground look great
How Much Playground Mulch Do I Need?
The amount of playground mulch you need depends on the size of the playground and the desired depth of mulching. PA Department of Education requires a baseline of 6 inches for playground mulch when used for school playgrounds.
So, how much playground mulch do I need? For a more precise estimate, use our mulch calculator to know the exact quantity needed to cover your specific playground.
Our calculator uses your playground’s dimensions and desired depth to estimate the mulch required. The calculator will help you purchase the correct amount, eliminating waste and shortages.
Mulch Barn Supply supplies top-quality mulch in Montgomery, Bucks, and Chester Counties. Our mulch meets all industry standards for safety and durability. Contact us to secure your wood chips for a playground.
