Rubber Mulch Blog

Before you consider installation of rubber mulch on a playground area, a thorough site analysis should have been carried out by a certified civil engineer or landscape architect. You should also get a professional in to install the rubber mulch.

The intended playground surface must be prepared in advance to installation. All rocks, wood chips, sods, roots, vegetation and gravel must be removed from the area. If the existing surface is asphalt, this will need to be removed, as this type of surface under the rubber mulch will impede safety. Also the chemicals in asphalt can fade the rubber mulch considerably.

It is recommended that you also get a retaining wall to place around the perimeter of the playground. 6 to 8 inch rubber curbs are ideal. The rubber mulch must come up to the level of these curbs, so that children do not trip up on them. This barrier will also protect against leakage of rainwater. Proper drainage in the playground is actually a prerequisite before laying rubber mulch.

The next thing to do would be to lay a filter fabric, to help prevent growth of weeds, before laying the rubber mulch. You have now prepared the area ready for rubber mulch.

To calculate the amount of rubber mulch needed for the playground area, you will need a depth of 6 inches, some areas may need more than this, depending on risk level or height of playground equipment. It would be wise to seek professional advice on this part of the process. Also paths and potential well trodden areas will need to be more compacted.

To finish off, rake over the area to make a flat smooth finish. Additional rubber mats can be placed around the swings, end of the slide and other high wear areas for additional playground safety.

To maintain this surface, it will need to be raked over to keep the surface smooth, and to the required depth, particularly in the high wear areas.

For anything you might need to know about playground rubber mulch, you won’t find anyone more professional than the experts over at Rubber Mulch.