Cedar vs. Cypress Playground Mulch: Which is Better for Kids?
Asked by G4rdenN0va21
I'm planning to put mulch under my kids' playset in the backyard and I'm torn between using cedar playground mulch or going with shredded cypress as recommended by my landscaper. My concern is about the water retention of cypress possibly leading to more mosquitoes in the summer, plus I'm worried about the splinter risk for my children. We live in Georgia, where winters are pretty wet and summers get super hot and humid. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Answers
Playground mulch usually has to pass some strict safety tests, so I'd definitely lean towards that. It's designed specifically for play areas, which is essential for keeping the kids safe and happy!
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If you decide on cypress, go for triple milled cypress mulch; it's softer and retains some moisture, which keeps it from getting too dry. I recommend the Kamlar brand—they ship from South Carolina and it's really great quality.
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I live in a similar climate as you. I ended up using heavy-duty landscape paper with 6x6 borders since grass won’t grow well under my playset. It looks a bit ugly, but it's practical. I'm thinking about getting some sand and used Astro turf, as it'll drain better and is easier to clean up with a leaf blower.
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Instead of mulch, consider using pea stone. It won't track as much on your kids' clothes, which is a big win! Just a thought if you want to avoid dealing with wood mulch altogether.
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