We do not recommend using regular mulch for a playground. Gardening or landscape mulch is made from different materials than rubber playground mulch, and it will not provide the same protective qualities if a child were to fall. Rubber playground mulch acts as a buffer between a child and the ground and is durable enough to stand up to heavy traffic. On top of that, rubber mulch won’t absorb water or blow away like wood chips, making it easier to maintain than regular mulch. Since rubber mulch doesn’t break down, your playground area will look great all year around.