AboutBob Meihaus Expertise I can provide experienced answers, options, solutions and personal opinion on almost any topic concerning children`s playgrounds residential or commercial. Including questions on design, construction, maintenance, groundcover, accesiblity and most importantly safety.
Experience For 23 years owner of custom design and build playground company. Over that time designed and built thousands of residential and commercial play structures.
Organizations Certified Safety Inspector and member ASTM committees on playground safety for commercial and residential play areas.
Expert: Bob Meihaus Date: 5/7/2008 Subject: playground
Question I live in a complex where I am responsible for a large playground. Around 5 years ago we installed wood mulch. It now has broken down and is basically dirt. Must we remove the old mulch before adding additional mulch? Also, do you recommend rubber mulch (ground tires)? If we do get rubber mulch can that be placed on top of the old stuff? Also how thick should the new mulch be?
Thanks
Answer Yes, it is past time to add new mulch on top of the old mulch. You should add mulch at least every other year if not every year. At some point you will not be able to add more mulch so you will have to dig out the area and haul away the old mulch and dirt and then start over again. On average every 12 to 15 years. I am not a fan of rubber mulch, I do not believe disposing of a toxic petroleum based waste product should be done on children's playgrounds. Good luck Bob
