| Author |
Message |
    
bak
Citizen
Username: Bak
Post Number: 380
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, October 24, 2003 - 9:49 am: |     |
I've been told to put 9 inches of wood chips beneath and within a 6 foot perimeter of my new swing set (yet to arrive). My question is: What type of wood chips/mulch should I use and where is a good place to get it?
I would imagine that certain types of chips/mulch would be better for a playground versus a garden. Do some types of mulch stain or hold moisture--I guess I would avoid those.
Also, I looked into shredded tire rubber mulch which is about $800 delivered but does not decompose so no replacement cost each year.
Any guidance would be appreciated--thanks!
|
Yossarian
Citizen
Username: Yossarian
Post Number: 51
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Friday, October 24, 2003 - 9:59 am: | |
Take a look at this PDF from the Consumer Products Safety Commission.
http://www.cpsc.gov/kids/kidsafety/plgdlist.pdf |
shh
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 704
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, October 24, 2003 - 10:18 am: | |
We had woodchips for a few years and last year redid it with pea gravel. We didn't add to it this year, but we will next year. The woodchips you need to use are available by the bag from HD, or I believe you can have them delivered from Millstone. We had the stone delivered as well. No major difference, I just like the look of the pea gravel (at least for now) better than the woodchips. Also, I kind of like the sound footsteps make on the stone. (We always know when someone is there!) We haven't had a problem with kids throwing the rocks, although our girls do like to pick through them and take the pretty ones. |
tourne
Citizen
Username: Tourne
Post Number: 209
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, October 27, 2003 - 9:11 pm: | |
A lot of the Towns around here use something called Wood Carpet. It is made in PA out of virgin wood and milled specially for playground impact absorption. Some wood chips are made from old pallets and other wood waste that could be contaminated with industrial chemicals, etc. I am not sure where you can buy it. See www.zeager.com/ and they should be able to tell you where to buy it. |
melicious
Citizen
Username: Melicious
Post Number: 45
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, October 30, 2003 - 5:05 pm: | |
There's a guy that works in Essex County who is
actually (supringly) honest and hardworking.
He does playground inspections on the weekends and
might be a great contact. He knows the whole deal.
His name? Bruce Divita. Call the Essex County Parks
and maybe he can help.
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bobk
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 3707
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, October 31, 2003 - 5:07 am: | |
When our kids were young we used shredded cedar mulch, which is softer than wood chips. It is a byproduct of debarking trees and is natural to the best of my knowledge. It also holds in place better than wood chips. It also smells good, but has to be renewed on a yearly basis. |
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