Playgrounds should provide a safe place for children to run, climb, and get some of their energy out. To ensure that no one gets hurt during these activities, there needs to be a soft, protective layer on the ground. Playground chips made of wood mulch are ideal for this. Here’s how to maintain them to provide optimal safety for your kids.

Playground Chip Maintenance for Child Safety

Maintain the Depth

The protective layer of wood chips can’t do its job if it’s not thick enough. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the necessary thickness depends on several factors, including the height of the playground equipment and what the mulch is made of. For wood-based mulches on a playground that’s eight feet high, nine inches of thickness is the recommended minimum. You may want to start with 12 inches, as it will settle to nine inches over time.

How Often Should Replacements Occur?

Replace the chips whenever the layer grows too thin, which could be dependent on weather and how quickly the chips settle.  An easy way to track the depth is to mark on the playground equipment how high the chips need to be; when the fill settles below that line, it’s time to get more.

Till Them as Needed

When replacing chips, don’t simply pour a new layer over the old one. They get packed down over time, so it’s important to till them back into a soft, loose layer before adding more. This is the best way to maintain an attractive appearance on the playground and allow the chips to be as effective as possible at softening falls and keeping kids safe.

If you’re searching for an outlet from which to purchase playground chips and landscaping materials such as fill dirt and mulch, Affordable Landscape Supplies is the best place to meet your needs. Located in Burlington, KY, this family-owned business offers same-day delivery throughout Boone and Kenton counties. They’ve been in business for over 37 years, which ensures they have the expertise to meet and exceed all expectations for quality and reliability. Learn more today by contacting them online or by calling (859) 586-9142.