The use of rubber mulch for playground floors and surfaces is recommended for a durable, eco-friendly surfacing solution. Made from 100% recycled tires, our rubber mulch provides excellent fall protection and wheelchair accessibility.
Recycled rubber mulch has an extended lifecycle that outlasts traditional wood mulch, reducing maintenance needs and providing lasting value for parks, public playgrounds, and landscaping projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of rubber mulch products are available?
We offer a comprehensive range of rubber mulch products to suit every playground need. GroundSmart Rubber Mulch meets all major safety standards for fall protection and wheelchair accessibility. Our Loose Fill Rubber Mulch, made from recycled tire buffing, provides a soft, springy bounce that kids love.
We also offer Rubber Edging Border Shapers in eight-foot lengths and Rubberific Swing Mats for high-traffic areas beneath swings and slides.
How is rubber mulch made, and is it environmentally safe?
Rubber mulch transforms discarded tires into premium playground surfacing through an eco-friendly recycling process. Tires are shredded, cleaned, and processed into small pieces, creating rubber mulch that is perfect for playgrounds and other similar areas.
This process diverts approximately 280 million tires annually from landfills, where they would otherwise leak chemicals or release methane gas.
Unlike organic mulch, rubber mulch doesn't decompose, which actually makes it safer—there's no risk of chemical leaching into soil or water. Our high-quality recycled rubber mulch ensures a safe environment for children to play.
What are the key benefits of using rubber mulch for playground surfaces?
Rubber mulch has exceptional longevity compared to wood mulch, saving you money and effort on replacements. It provides superior cushioning for falls while meeting all safety standards and maintains its appearance without decomposing or fading.
Our rubber mulch uses high-quality colors that resist fading, which means no staining on clothes or pets. It won't decompose, and it helps avoid bug and rodent infestation.
Rubber mulch is designed for engineered drainage, which prevents water pooling, and the color stays vibrant without any treatment. A simple rinse with water handles any cleaning needs, making it an ideal choice for busy facilities.
What safety certifications does rubber mulch meet?
Safety is our top priority. Our rubber mulch products meet or exceed CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) guidelines, carry IPEMA (International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association) certification, and comply with ASTM F1951-99 standards for wheelchair accessibility.
These rigorous certifications keep kids safe from falls and other serious injuries in public playgrounds, parks, and other play areas, giving parents and facility managers peace of mind.
What maintenance is required for recycled rubber mulch?
Recycled rubber mulch requires minimal maintenance to stay in top condition. Conduct periodic inspections to check for thin spots, especially in high-traffic areas around playgrounds, and top up with additional rubber mulch as needed to maintain proper depth.
Occasionally rake the rubber mulch to keep it fluffy and ensure good drainage—this simple step keeps the surface fresh and prevents compaction.
For cleaning, a leaf blower removes leaves and debris without disturbing the rubber mulch distribution. In areas with heavy use, like under swings or at slide exits, watch for displacement and redistribute the rubber mulch accordingly.
How much rubber mulch do I need for proper playground safety?
The amount of rubber mulch needed depends on your playground equipment's fall height and the area to be covered. Generally, you'll need a depth of six inches of rubber mulch for adequate fall protection, with higher equipment requiring deeper coverage.
How do I install rubber mulch?
Installing rubber mulch in playgrounds is refreshingly straightforward and can be completed in just a few steps.
Start by clearing your area of large debris and smoothing the surface to create an even base. Next, lay down landscape fabric across the entire area to prevent weed growth while ensuring proper drainage. Then spread your rubber mulch evenly across the surface, maintaining a depth of six inches for optimal fall protection in playground areas.
The beauty of rubber mulch is that once it's spread, it stays in place better than traditional mulch, requiring no special tools or professional installation.
For detailed instructions and tips for specific rubber mulch applications, our full installation guide walks you through each step of the process.
Is rubber mulch safe for children and pets?
Yes, our playground rubber mulch is completely safe for children, pets, and the environment. Every batch undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it's non-toxic and free from metal contaminants that could pose safety hazards.
Unlike wood mulch, recycled rubber mulch doesn't splinter, preventing painful injuries to bare feet or paws. It's also free from the chemicals, pesticides, and fungicides often found in treated wood products.
Parents and pet owners can feel confident that our rubber mulch provides a clean, safe surface that actually cushions falls better than traditional materials while eliminating common playground hazards.
Do I still need rubber mats if I'm using recycled rubber mulch?
While rubber mulch provides excellent overall playground protection, rubber mats serve a valuable purpose in specific high-impact zones, preventing serious injuries.
Areas directly beneath swings, at the base of slides, and under climbing equipment experience constant foot traffic that can displace even the best rubber mulch. Rubber mats in these spots create a permanent, stable surface that won't shift or develop bare patches, eliminating the need for frequent rubber mulch redistribution.
They also provide extra cushioning on top of the rubber mulch in these critical fall zones where children are most likely to land. Think of it as a two-layer protection system—the mats handle the intense daily wear while the surrounding rubber mulch provides general safety coverage.
