We recommend a 4″ to 6″ compacted layer of GroundSmart^™ Rubber Mulch. A 4″ inch compacted layer is International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) certified to provide up to 10 ft of critical fall height protection, a 5″ compacted layer will provide up to 12 ft and a 6″ compacted layer will provide up to 16 ft of critical fall height protection. When assessing how much GroundSmart^™ Rubber Mulch you need, be sure to measure from the highest point where someone could jump or fall.

The amount of GroundSmart^™ Rubber Mulch used per square foot is dependent upon on the required fall height rating of the training equipment. GroundSmart^™ Rubber Mulch is IPEMA certified to provide up to 16’ of critical fall height protection per ASTM F1292-13.

Proper compaction can be achieved by using a lawn roller. Once the GroundSmart^™ Rubber Mulch is raked and leveled into place, the lawn roller can be pulled directly over the surface. It is recommended to roll the roller across the surface in multiple directions. If low or high spots develop while compacting the surface, material can be added into the low areas and/or raked away from the high areas and compacted again.

To reduce maintenance in high use areas where critical fall height protection is not required, rubber mats may be used. Mats can be placed under or on top of GroundSmart™ Rubber Mulch.