For any playground that utilizes them, refreshing playground wood chips periodically is important for everything from safety to health and more. In many cases, the fall season we’re in right now is the ideal time for such a project.
At BioGrass Sod Farms, we’re here to offer an unmatched range of playground wood chips and other small bark mulch and small bark nugget products for clients around Salt Lake City. Here are some of the key purposes wood chips serve on playgrounds, plus some reasons why refreshing them is important – and some general tips for doing so, from proper depth and coverage to a few other key priorities.
Roles of Playground Wood Chips
Playground wood chips serve a few key purposes, including:
- Safety: The primary role of playground wood chips is to protect children from injuries due to falls. This is especially important for younger children who are still developing their balance and coordination skills.
- Shock Absorption: In addition to providing a soft surface in case of falls, wood chips also absorb the shock of impact, reducing the risk of serious injuries.
- Drainage: Wood chips are permeable and allow water to drain through them. This prevents standing water on the playground, which can be slippery and dangerous for children.
- Aesthetics: Wood chips can be visually appealing, adding a natural and rustic feel to the playground. They also come in various colors, allowing for creative designs and patterns.
- Cost-effective: Compared to other playground surface materials such as rubber or artificial turf, wood chips are relatively inexpensive. This makes them a budget-friendly choice for schools and parks with limited funds.
- Sustainability: Wood chips are environmentally friendly as they come from renewable resources. They can also be recycled after use, making them a sustainable option for playground surfacing.
Why Refreshing Playground Wood Chips is Important
Because wood chips are made from natural materials, they will eventually deteriorate and decompose over time. This can lead to a decrease in the cushioning effect of the wood chips, making them less effective in preventing injuries from falls. Additionally, as wood chips break down, they may become compacted and create hard surfaces that can cause injuries.
To ensure the safety and longevity of playground wood chips, it is important to regularly refresh them. This involves adding a new layer of wood chips on top of the existing ones every few years. Here are some reasons why refreshing playground wood chips is crucial:
- Maintains Safety: As mentioned before, worn-out wood chips can lose their ability to cushion falls effectively. By refreshing them regularly, you are ensuring that the playground remains a safe space for children to play in.
- Prevents Weeds and Pests: Old wood chips can become a breeding ground for weeds and pests, which can lead to health hazards for children. By refreshing the wood chips, you are preventing these issues from arising.
- Restores Aesthetics: Over time, playground wood chips can get dirty and discolored due to constant use and exposure to the elements. Refreshing them will give your playground a fresh look, making it more inviting for kids to play in.
- Saves Money: While it may seem like an added expense, regularly refreshing playground wood chips can save you money by preventing bigger problems in the future. By keeping the wood chips in good condition, you can avoid costly repairs or replacements down the line.
- Provides a Safe Play Environment: As mentioned earlier, refreshing playground wood chips helps to maintain a safe play environment for children. Not only does it prevent injuries from sharp objects or pests, but it also ensures that the ground is soft enough to cushion falls and reduce impact.
Tips for Refreshing Playground Wood Chips
Here are some suggestions for refreshing playground wood chips:
- Go for the fall season: Because it comes just after the highest usage time of the year for playgrounds, fall is the perfect season to replace wood chips. This allows for a fresh start and ensures that the playground is safe and ready for use during the winter months.
- Use high-quality wood chips: It’s important to invest in high-quality wood chips to ensure the safety of children. Poor-quality wood chips can easily break down or become compacted, diminishing their impact-absorbing abilities.
- Spread it evenly: When refreshing wood chips, it’s important to spread them evenly throughout the play area. This helps prevent any uneven surfaces, which could cause tripping hazards or create areas where children may be more prone to falls.
- Proper depth: The recommended depth of wood chips for a playground is at least 12 inches. This provides enough cushioning to absorb impact and reduce the risk of serious injuries.
- Regular maintenance: It’s essential to regularly maintain the wood chips in your playground. This includes raking them to keep them level, removing any debris or foreign objects, and replenishing them when necessary. Neglecting regular maintenance can lead to potential hazards and decrease the lifespan of the wood chips.
At BioGrass Sod Farms, we’re here to offer the best selection of playground wood chips in SLC, plus related options like small bark mulch and small bark nuggets. Contact us today to learn more or begin your order!