Play Bark Chippings Bulk Bag

What is Play Bark?

Play bark is a specially processed grade bark, designed with children's safety in mind. Play bark chips have revolutionised outdoor spaces, making play areas more engaging and safer for children. An integral component for gardens, schools, and parks, this versatile material has become a favourite choice for those seeking both functionality and aesthetics.

As play becomes an indispensable part of children's growth, ensuring they have the right environment, free from inconveniences and potential dangers, is crucial. With play bark, many of these concerns are efficiently addressed. 

Unlike regular garden bark or mulch, play grade bark undergoes rigorous processing to ensure it's soft, free from harmful materials, and is suitable for cushioning the inevitable falls children might have while at play. Derived mainly from tree chippings, especially hardwood chip, it offers a softer, natural alternative to other hard surfaces such as rubber mulch/rubber chippings. This makes it a great product for play areas, schools, and childcare facilities where child safety and well-being are of utmost importance. 

As both a play chip and a decorative bark mulch, play grade bark is multifaceted. It not only furnishes aesthetic appeal but also functions to inhibit weed development. Moreover, it aids in moisture management and serves as a thermal shield for plant roots, lessening the risk of botanical loss in colder climates.

Where is Play Bark Used? 

• Play Areas: Play bark is most commonly utilised in play areas, ensuring a softer landing for children, and reducing the risk of injuries through impact absorption.
• Schools: Many educational institutions opt for play grade bark for their outdoor play areas, offering students a safer environment to relax and play.
• Gardens: Beyond play areas, play bark can be used in gardens, especially in areas where children frequently play. It also serves as a decorative element, blending seamlessly with other garden features.
• Borders and Flower Beds: While primarily for play areas, its aesthetic appeal means it can be used to edge borders and flower beds, providing a contrasting texture and colour.

Recommended installation depth for children's play areas is 300mm at a critical fall height of up to 3 metres. 

Please note: When creating an adequate impact absorbing surface, it's essential to perform your own risk assessment and adhere to the minimum depth guidelines provided by the manufacturer.

Play Bark Benefits

• Safety: One of the standout benefits of play bark is safety. Its soft nature ensures reduced impact during falls, making a safer play area for children.
• Durability: Play bark chip is hard wearing, meaning it can withstand constant foot traffic, play, and weather conditions without degrading quickly.
• Moisture Retention: Like other bark products, play bark can be used to improve moisture retention, ensuring the underlying soil remains hydrated. 
• Plant Root Insulation: Reduces plant loss in cold weather. 
• Low Maintenance: Play bark wood chips are relatively easy to maintain. The occasional top-up can resolve any areas of wear, reducing inconvenience.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Its rich, natural look enhances the overall appearance of play areas, making them look more inviting.
• Environmentally Friendly: Being a natural product, play bark is biodegradable and doesn’t harm the environment.
  
  

Play Bark Considerations

• Selection: Not all play barks are created equal. It's crucial to ensure that the bark chosen is of play grade quality, free from harmful materials, and has been treated to be softer for play areas.
• Installation: A proper foundation and correct installation are essential. This ensures the bark remains in place, provides the necessary cushioning, and lasts longer.
• Bulk Bags: Bulk purchases offer cost benefits for larger play areas.