Designing any child playground area involves some careful planning and the use of the right products, and one such product that is often vital here is the category of playground wood chips. What should you be thinking about when choosing the best wood chips for playgrounds, and how can you ensure that these areas remain both safe and fun for kids at all times?
At BioGrass Sod Farms, we’re here to help clients around Salt Lake City with not only a huge range of landscaping products, from brown and black mulch to organic compost, topsoil products, sod and more, but also with products like playground wood chips and more. Our playground wood chips are engineered with a wood fiber that’s safe and meant to be played on by kids, and is guaranteed to be chemical free. Here are some basic tips on why playground wood chips are vital, how to choose the ideal wood chips, and some other general tips in terms of chip placement and long-term maintenance.
Why Wood Chips Are Important for Playgrounds
Before we get into the details of how to choose playground wood chips, let’s establish why they’re so important in the first place. The primary purpose of playground wood chips is to provide a soft and cushioned surface for children to play on. This helps reduce the risk of injuries from falls, which are common in active kids.
Wood chips also allow for proper drainage, preventing puddles or standing water that can make playing uncomfortable or even dangerous. This can also help prevent the growth of mold or bacteria, keeping the playground area clean and safe for kids.
And of course, wood chips play an important role in the aesthetics of the playground. They help create a natural and inviting look, making the area more appealing to children and encouraging them to engage in imaginative play.
Choosing the Right Wood Chips for Playgrounds
When selecting wood chips for your playground area, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Safety: As mentioned earlier, safety is the primary concern when it comes to playgrounds. Make sure that the wood chips you choose meet safety standards and have been tested for impact resistance.
- Size: The size of the wood chips is important as well. Larger chips may provide better cushioning, but they can also be more difficult for young children to navigate. Smaller chips may be easier for kids to walk and play on, but they may also pose a choking hazard.
- Depth: The depth of the wood chip layer is crucial for effective impact absorption. A minimum depth of 9 inches is recommended, with an additional inch added for each foot of fall height above 5 feet.
- Size of playground: Another factor to consider is the size of your playground area. If you have a larger space, you may need to purchase more wood chips in order to cover the entire area effectively.
- No chemicals: As a general rule, it’s best to avoid wood chips that have been treated with chemicals or preservatives. These can be harmful to children and the environment.
Playground Wood Chip Placement
Once you’ve chosen the right wood chips for your playground area, proper placement is key. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- The surface should be level and free of any debris before adding the wood chips.
- Avoid placing wood chips directly over hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt.
- Regularly check and fill in any areas where the wood chips have become compacted or displaced due to heavy use.
- Keep a clear border around play equipment to prevent trips and falls onto hard surfaces.
- If your area has any regulations or guidelines for playground safety, make sure to follow them when it comes to wood chip placement.
Maintenance Tips for Playground Wood Chips
Proper maintenance is essential for keeping your playground wood chips safe and in good condition. Here are a few tips to help you maintain your playground wood chips:
- Regularly rake and fluff the wood chips to keep them loose and evenly distributed.
- Remove any debris like sticks, rocks, or trash from the wood chip surface.
- If necessary, add a fresh layer of wood chips every 1-2 years to maintain the recommended depth. Ask your supplier about bulk order discounts to save on costs.
- Keep an eye out for any signs of mold or mildew and address them immediately.
By following these guidelines for choosing and maintaining playground wood chips, you can ensure that your playground area remains safe and enjoyable for kids. And remember, at BioGrass Sod Farms, we’re always here to help with all your landscaping needs across SLC. Contact us today for more information on our playground wood chips or any other landscaping product you’re in need of.