Are Playground Chips Really Safe? Why Certified Playground Chips Matter

Not all mulch is created equal, especially when children are involved. Whether you’re building a backyard play zone or designing a public playground, safety should always be the first priority. That’s where playground chips come in. These specially manufactured wood chips aren’t just mulch—they’re engineered for impact absorption, accessibility, and long-term durability.

At Kilgore Landscape Center, we help families, schools, and contractors select certified playground chips that meet strict safety standards without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. If you’ve ever wondered what makes these chips different from standard mulch or why they matter, this guide is for you.

What Are Playground Chips, and Why Do They Matter?

Playground chips are a form of engineered wood fiber (EWF) designed to cushion falls and prevent injuries. Unlike traditional shredded mulch or bark, these chips are processed to meet safety standards for impact attenuation, particle size, and composition.

That means fewer sharp splinters, no sticks or debris, and a surface that remains soft and springy—whether kids are walking, jumping, or tumbling off a slide. Properly installed, playground chips help reduce the severity of falls and create a softer, more forgiving landing zone.

In Utah, where dry weather and temperature swings can impact ground conditions, choosing the right surface material is especially important. Playground chips provide year-round performance and help prevent compacted, rock-hard play areas that can become hazardous.

What Makes Certified Playground Chips Different?

It’s one thing to install wood chips—it’s another to install certified playground chips. Certification from organizations like IPEMA (International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association) and ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) ensures that the product:

• Meets impact attenuation standards
  
  

• Is free from harmful substances or contaminants
  
  

• Resists compaction and promotes drainage
  
  

• Supports ADA accessibility when maintained at the correct depth
  
  

Certified chips are tested to support safe falls from equipment up to 12 feet high. They're also more uniform in size and shape, making them easier to rake, replenish, and maintain.

If you're outfitting a public play structure, certification isn’t just a recommendation—it’s a requirement. Even for backyard builds, using certified chips gives families peace of mind and supports long-term durability.

How Playground Chips Fit Into Broader Landscaping Projects

Believe it or not, playground chips can be used beyond play zones. Their soft, uniform texture and neutral wood tone make them an excellent material for larger backyard designs.

They blend well with native plants and drought-friendly materials and can even be used to soften walkways or surround patios in family-oriented backyards. As part of your overall layout, they pair beautifully with mulch bed landscaping products and mulch landscaping products to provide weed suppression and aesthetic continuity.

Many homeowners use certified chips to create safe zones beneath treehouses, hammocks, or trampoline areas. And because they’re made from untreated, non-toxic wood, they’re safe around pets and pollinator plants.

Looking for a spring refresh? We often recommend certified playground chips alongside other bulk mulch products and gravel for families who want to revamp their yard with natural, family-safe materials.

Avoiding Common Landscaping Mistakes With Playground Chips

One of the biggest landscaping mistakes people make with playground mulch is treating it like regular decorative mulch. Playground chips have specific installation and maintenance needs to be effective and safe.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Depth matters: Maintain at least 9–12 inches of coverage to meet safety standards. Shallower layers won’t absorb impact as effectively.
  
  

• Don’t skip the border: Use wood, metal, or plastic edging to keep the chips contained. Without it, they’ll migrate and compress faster.
  
  

• Drainage plan: Poor drainage leads to compaction, mold, or rot. Install over a well-drained base with proper sloping.
  
  

• Replenish annually: High-traffic areas wear down quickly. Check your chip depth each spring and top off where needed.
  
  

Whether you're installing for the first time or refreshing an old area, we’re happy to walk you through these best practices.

A Spring Upgrade: Safer Play and Smarter Landscaping

Spring is the perfect time to plan outdoor upgrades. If you're already shopping for landscaping products for your spring garden, it makes sense to think about safety at the same time. Adding certified mulch around shrubs and flowers? Why not refresh the play area, too?

At Kilgore Landscape Center, we offer personalized guidance on selecting the right mulch and chip materials for every part of your yard. From certified playground chips to premium mulch landscaping products, we’ll help you strike the perfect balance between safety and aesthetics—so your kids can run, climb, and play with confidence while your garden stays tidy, healthy, and visually polished.

And if you're looking to plant more trees, native or pollinator-friendly species this season, playground chips are an eco-safe choice that won’t harm beneficial insects or soil structure.

Choosing Kilgore for Your Certified Playground Chips

We know the stakes are high when children are involved, and that not every bulk wood chip on the market meets true safety standards. That’s why we only stock certified playground chips that meet or exceed ASTM F1292 and F2075 safety criteria.

Need help calculating how many cubic yards you'll need for proper coverage? Want delivery and installation tips? We’ve helped schools, daycare centers, churches, and homeowners install safe, compliant, and attractive play zones throughout Salt Lake, Utah, and Davis counties.

Plus, we offer bulk mulch products to match, so your entire yard, from play zone to planting bed, can look cohesive and feel safer.

Safer Play Starts With the Right Foundation

Safety, style, and simplicity—it all starts with what’s underfoot. Playground chips offer more than just coverage. They create peace of mind.

At Kilgore Landscape Center, we’re here to help you build outdoor spaces where your family can thrive—whether that means swingsets and slides, backyard gardens, or a bit of both.

Call us at (801) 561-4231 or visit Kilgore Landscape Center at 7961 S. 1300 W., West Jordan, UT 84088. Let’s build something safer, smarter, and ready for play.