Is rubber mulch good for playgrounds? Learn the pros, cons, and important considerations to determine if it’s the best option for you.
Made with 100% shredded tires, recycled rubber mulch is currently the playground surface of choice for sustainability.
However, experts and parents are concerned about how its chemical content might affect children’s health.
In this article, we’ll answer the question: Is rubber mulch good for playgrounds?
Below, we’ve listed the playground rubber mulch pros and cons. We’ll also give you some tips and considerations to help you determine whether its benefits outweigh its drawbacks.
How long does rubber mulch last? According to reputable manufacturers, its life expectancy is 10 to 12 years.
Tire mulch can hold out against harsh weather conditions and high foot traffic. It offers all-weather durability that wood chips can’t provide. Because it’s also less susceptible to biodegradation, its life span is considerably longer than that of organic mulch.
Rubber is considered a safe playground mulch. It has a soft surface and natural shock-absorbing properties. This lowers the chances of injuries even when kids trip or fall.
Additionally, rubber mulch doesn’t get compacted and turn into a hard surface over time. It’s not like other loose-fill playground surfaces.
This type of mulch is made from synthetic material that doesn’t serve as a food source or nesting material for bugs and rodents. Relying on this material, instead of organic matter, reduces the risk of insect-borne diseases and pest problems.
Rubber mulch works great for suppressing weed growth, thanks to its dense texture and non-porous surface blocking out light. It also doesn’t decompose quickly. You can clean it regularly with water (and it can tolerate rainfall) without leading to fungal growth.
The heavy metal content is a bone of contention regarding rubber mulch use in playgrounds. Heavy metals are known to cause headaches, nausea, contact dermatitis, and other allergies.
So, is rubber mulch safe for playgrounds? It is. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found that the amount of chemicals in rubber mulch is within proper limits. This means that the levels found in tires aren’t enough to pose any significant health risk to children.
Rubber mulch is an investment. Its costs are two to three times more expensive than wood mulch. Since the material weighs a lot, it also drives up delivery and transportation costs.
However, the lower maintenance expenses offset the higher initial cost, making it more cost-effective in the long run.
Does rubber mulch get hot? Rubber absorbs, retains, and radiates heat, so its surface can become uncomfortably hot for children and pets. Not only that, the extreme heat may also damage surrounding plants, especially during the warmer months.
It’s not the best option for warmer areas. However, its insulating properties are beneficial during the winter season or in colder regions.
Even though recycled tires are sustainable, they’re said to have negative impacts on plant and soil health. They contain high levels of zinc, which is toxic to plants and may stunt plant growth and development or even cause death.
Rubber’s soft surface and impressive cushioning properties make it the best playground mulch for fall protection. Its synthetic nature also promotes durability, longevity, and easy maintenance.
All in all, the pros of rubber mulch outweigh its cons.
Minimize the drawbacks even further by using playground-safe mulch in colder regions. You can also strategically place it in areas far from plants and flowers.
Rubber mulch is a safe, durable, and practical playground solution when installed. It meets the safety standards established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Working with certified playground contractors can help ensure this. Contact us for advice on rubber mulch installation or to explore other playground surfacing options.
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