When selecting ground covering for playground areas, your landscape, or garden cover, it’s important to understand the differences between playground chips vs mulch. Each option offers distinct characteristics that influence safety, maintenance, and environmental impact. This article delves into these differences to help you make an informed decision for your play area.
Composition and Purpose
Traditional mulch, commonly used in landscaping and gardening, is sometimes composed of organic materials such as bark mulch, wood chip mulch, and other wood types. Its primary functions include controlling weeds, soil moisture retention, regulating temperature, and the gradual addition of organic matter to enhance soil fertility. Mulch also contributes to the aesthetic appeal of garden areas and flower beds. Playground chips on the other hand are specifically designed for use in playground areas. They are often made from engineered wood fiber or recycled materials like rubber. The primary purpose of playground chips is to provide a safe, cushioned surface that reduces the risk of injury from falls around playground equipment. Unlike regular mulch, playground chips are not intended to enrich the soil or support plant growth.
Safety Considerations
Safety is a top priority in playground design. Playground chips are engineered to meet specific safety standards, such as ASTM F1292, which addresses impact attenuation of surfacing materials within the use zone of playground equipment. Engineered wood fiber, a common type of playground chip, is designed to minimize sharp edges and splinters, reducing the risk of injury. Additionally, these materials are often tested to ensure they do not contain hazardous substances or pose a fire hazard. Regular mulch, while beneficial for plants, may not provide the same level of impact absorption and could contain elements like bark chips or sharp wood fragments that increase the risk of injury in a play area. Therefore, using standard mulch in playgrounds is generally not recommended.
Durability and Maintenance
Playground chips, especially those made from recycled rubber, offer long-term durability and require less frequent replacement compared to organic mulches. Rubber playground surfaces do not decompose, maintaining their cushioning properties over time. However, they may need periodic topping up to maintain the appropriate depth for safety. Organic playground wood chips however will decompose over time, necessitating regular maintenance to ensure adequate coverage and cushioning. Regular mulch decomposes more quickly, requiring frequent replenishment to maintain its effectiveness in weed suppression and soil moisture retention.
Environmental Impact
Organic material contributes positively to the natural environment by decomposing and adding essential nutrients to the soil. This helps promote healthy plant growth and should be considered in the type of mulch you select. They also support beneficial soil organisms and improve soil structure. One thing to consider however are harmful pests likes termites or ants. When I’ve used traditional mulch from big box stores in the past, it seemed like they had termites in them. So, I would suggest getting mulch from a reputable local company. Playground chips made from recycled materials, such as old tires, help reduce landfill use. However, they do not contribute organic matter to the soil. They also may have environmental considerations regarding their production and eventual disposal. Using mulch as a topcover for vegetable gardens can be very important as well.
Aesthetic and Functional Differences
In garden areas and flower beds, landscape mulch enhances aesthetic appeal, suppresses weed growth, and improves soil conditions for plant roots. Different types of mulch, such as cedar mulch or bark chips, can be selected to complement the landscape design and meet specific horticultural needs. In playground areas, the primary function of the ground covering is to provide a safe play surface. Playground chips are designed to create a uniform, stable surface that complies with safety standards. While they may not offer the same aesthetic variety as garden mulches, they are available in various colors and materials to suit different playground designs.
Product Recommendations
For those considering playground chips, here are some products available on Amazon:
- Playsafer Rubber Mulch Nuggets: ade from recycled tires, these rubber nuggets provide a durable and cushioned surface for playgrounds. They are IPEMA certified and 99.9% metal-free.
- Cedar Wood Chip Mulch: deal for landscaping, gardening, and playground areas, this natural cedar mulch offers a pleasant aroma and resists decomposition.
- MIGHTY109 Raging Red Colored Wood Chip Mulch: These virgin, non-recycled wood chips are colored with non-toxic dyes, adding a bold contrast to landscapes and gardens.
Choosing between playground chips and traditional mulch depends on the specific use and requirements of the area in question. For playgrounds, safety is the top priority, making engineered playground chips the best choice. For gardens and landscapes, traditional mulches offer benefits that support plant health and aesthetics. Understanding these key differences ensures that you select the most appropriate ground covering for your needs.
Related: Check out articles on other garden supplies here