• High critical fall height - 6" depth will provide 11' critical fall height.
• Non-abrasive - SLRM has no sharp points. Will not cause splinters or cuts.
• Easy to install - Doesn't have to be delivered and can be put on top of existing yard.
• Low long term cost - Doesn't disintegrate so you only have to replenish a very little over time.
• Drains quickly - Children can play 15-30 minutes after it rains.
• Clean than wood products - Doesn't decompose, much cleaner than wood products.
• Inorganic - Does not encourage weed growth. Doesn't attract animals or insects.
• Soft - Unlikely to cause injuries if thrown or accidentally chewed.

Disadvantages

• Higher one time cost.

Wood mulch products

Advantages

• Low initial cost.
• Attractive appearance the first year.

Disadvantages

• Some protective fall support - 6" depth will provide 7' critical fall height.
• Will decompose - Needs to be purchased yearly.
• Once wet, very slow to dry - Children can't play after it rains.
• Less protective support during winter months - When the temperature drops below 32° F, wood mulch loses much of its protective support, making it less safe to play on.
• Very dirty - As it decomposes it becomes a mess and will make clothes and shoes filthy.
• Organic - Will decompose, encouraging weed growth and attracting animals and insects.
• Slivers and cuts - Wood mulch can cause slivers and cuts when children play or fall.

Pea Gravel

Advantages

• Low initial cost.
• Does not decompose.

Disadvantages

• Low protective fall support - 6" depth will provide 5' critical fall height.
• Will compact - Over time compaction will reduce protective support.
• Shouldn't be used during cold months - During cold months, Pea Gravel will compact and freeze, causing it to be almost as hard as asphalt and unsafe to play on.
• Accumulates dust and dirt - this makes Pea Gravel very dirty over time.
• Once wet, dirt and dust turn to a "greasy slime" - Very dirty when wet.
• When thrown can cause injury - Kids are kids, and will throw any type of surfacing product. Pea Gravel has a tremendous risk of injury when thrown.
• Difficult to walk on - Pea Gravel will move and shift as kids play making it unstable.