In recent years, rubber mulch has emerged as a popular choice for playgrounds and landscaping projects across the UK. Made from 100% recycled rubber shreds, it is not only an environmentally friendly option but also offers numerous practical benefits. This article explores the advantages of choosing bonded rubber mulch for your next project, whether for a public park, school playground, or a private garden.
What is Bonded Rubber Mulch?
Bonded Rubber Mulch surfacing represents an innovative leap in playground and landscaping materials. Originating from 100% recycled rubber shreds, primarily from used tyres, this surfacing option is eco-friendly, aesthetically pleasing, and functional. The process involves encapsulating the rubber in a durable polyurethane polymer and applying non-toxic, inert coloured pigments. This ensures the final product is safe, especially in environments where children play and explore.
One of the key advantages of Bonded Rubber Mulch is its versatility in application. Unlike traditional surfacing materials, it requires minimal groundwork preparation and can be laid directly over existing surfaces, including grass. This characteristic significantly reduces installation time and costs, making it an ideal choice for projects with restricted budgets or those needing quick completion. Furthermore, its adaptability makes it suitable for complex landscaping areas, such as around trees or uneven terrains, where traditional surfacing solutions may be challenging to install.
The mulch’s design is such that it blends seamlessly with natural surroundings, providing a more organic look compared to other synthetic surfacing options. The choice of colours, ranging from earthy tones to vibrant greens, allows for creative designs that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of any space. Whether used in a small playground or a large park area, Bonded Rubber Mulch offers a practical, sustainable, and visually appealing solution.
Safety and Compliance
Safety is paramount in any play area. Bonded Rubber Mulch meets the rigorous standards of BS EN1177:2008, effectively reducing the risk of injury. Its impact-absorbing properties contribute to critical fall height safety, ensuring greater protection for children. The surfacing’s design allows for greater fall heights with less thickness than other safety surfaces, making it a highly practical and safe choice.
This efficiency in providing protection is cost-effective and ensures that playgrounds can be equipped with safer surfaces without compromising on space or design aesthetics. The material’s density and elasticity are finely balanced to absorb impacts effectively, providing a safe environment for children to play, jump, and run around without the heightened risk of injury. Additionally, the consistent quality of the material ensures that its safety features are uniform throughout the play area, offering reliable protection in all sections of the playground. This uniformity is essential in maintaining a high safety standard across the surface, giving parents and caregivers peace of mind while children enjoy their playtime.
Practical Benefits
The practical benefits of rubber mulch are numerous. It is:
- low-maintenance alternative to loose-fill bark chippings, requiring no topping up or raking.
- porous and fast-draining, it minimises surface water and ice risks, ensuring the area is usable throughout the year
- firm enough to support wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and strollers
- a variety of colour options, including Acorn Brown, Earth Brown, and Forest Green, among others, allow for aesthetic customisation to blend naturally with different environments.
Maintenance and Longevity
Maintaining rubber mulch surfacing is straightforward. Regular cleaning, removing debris and occasional power washing are sufficient to keep the surface looking revitalised. These simple maintenance steps, coupled with the durable nature of the material, ensure the product’s longevity, making it a cost-effective long-term investment.
Bonded Rubber Mulch is a resilient, safe, and environmentally friendly option for playgrounds and landscapes. Its ease of installation, minimal maintenance requirements, and aesthetic appeal make it a practical choice for various settings. Contact us today to explore how our Bonded Rubber Mulch solutions can transform your space into a safe, inclusive, and visually appealing environment.