Both rubber and wood mulch are acceptable playground surface materials. And while they both offer fall protection, rubber mulch is the more absorbent surface. The benefits of wood mulch include its initial cost and eco-friendliness. However, it requires significant maintenance and poses a few safety concerns.

Rubber mulch is non-toxic and safe for use around children and pets. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) published a playground safety surfacing guideline for public playgrounds, stating rubber mulch is an appropriate loose-fill surfacing material for use on commercial playgrounds.

A play surface material like rubber mulch can greatly reduce any injuries your child might sustain. Unlike wood mulch/chips, pea gravel, and sand, rubber mulch does not turn into a compacted or hard surface with frequent use. It won’t blow away in high winds or float away during big rain storms either, and stays in place to keep your child safe.