Playground Edging Options
So you’ve finally chosen a playground surface material - congratulations! It doesn’t stop there, though. Loose filling materials can spill over beyond the play area and cause injuries (not to mention a mess). The solution is to set up a border or edging to contain the mulch while keeping the playground and the area around it safe, neat, and accident-free.
Old tire strips
Before old tires were recycled into mulching material, they were cut into strips to make speed bumps, and also to provide edging for gardens and playgrounds. You can opt to go old-school and create borders for your rubber mulch playground made of stripped tires (it only makes sense to have materials that match!).
Timber fences
Recycling old timber for playground edging is another traditional option. You can use wood from crates or recycle logs from felled trees. Saw the logs in half circles so they can be laid flat and will not roll away. This will give your playground a nice and rustic, fenced-in look. It’s best to go for wood that does not easily decay, like cedar and cypress.
Plastic edging
Plastic borders are a practical option, though they may not withstand changes in season as well as rubber or even timber. However, plastic is quite good at fencing in playground mulch. Make sure to choose a durable plastic lawn edging set so you won’t have to keep replacing it more than you should.
Rock curbs
For natural-looking edging, rock is a good choice. Lava rocks, smooth river stones, and small boulders can be buried in the soil to form an organic playground border. If you want to pretty up the playground edges, these rocks can act as a natural barrier for perennials so the kids don’t trample on them by accident.
Rubber borders
The most efficient solution for a rubber mulch playground edging are ready-to-use rubber borders. They are easy to install, smooth and seamless, won’t decompose or warp, and will continue to do the job for at least ten years!
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