What are the benefits of playground mulch?

~ Meets and exceeds safety standards of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the
   ASTM standard for shock-absorbing qualities when properly applied and maintained
~ Provides the best legal protection by minimizing injuries from falls
~ Provides wheelchair accessible surface unlike sand or gravel — proven to be maneuverable in accordance with ASTM PS    83-97 and the new ASTM F 1951-99. Complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
~ Attractive, natural look
~ Environmentally sound
    — produced from surplus lumber material, and it naturally decomposes over time
~ Does not absorb and build heat like rubber or gravel materials
~ Does not collect in kids shoes like sand
~ Affordable

How much mulch should be applied?

As a general rule of thumb, you should keep mulch at a depth of about 2 inches. Use less mulch for heavy, clay soils and more mulch for lighter, sandy soils. After the initial installation, semi-annual applications of about 1” to 1½” will work well.

How often is remulching required?

Raking the mulch every few months will rejuvenate the beds and allow additional aeration to plant roots, which is beneficial for plant growth. After about six months, rake the mulch bed and then top dress it with 1” to 1½” of new mulch.

How long does the mulch maintain its color?

Color enhanced mulch will typically maintain its color for most of a year or even longer, compared to other mulches which may turn gray in a short period of time.

How does mulch compare with pinestraw?

For a single installation pinestraw is less expensive than mulch. But when you look at the big picture, you may not come out ahead with pinestraw: