Certified Mulch Production

Certified playground mulch is a crucial component of safe play areas in Lapeer County, Michigan. This specialized mulch undergoes a rigorous production process to ensure it meets the highest safety standards for children's playgrounds. Here's an in-depth look at how certified playground mulch is produced in Lapeer County.

Raw Material Sourcing

The production of certified playground mulch in Lapeer County begins with sourcing high-quality wood materials. Using trunk wood from local tree removals insures we start with material that is free from contaminants such as construction debris, leaves, dirt, or pallets. This ensures that the mulch is of the highest quality and meets safety standards from the very beginning.

Shredding and Grinding

Once the raw materials are collected, they are fed into industrial grinders. These machines use multiple layers of steel teeth to break down the wood into smaller, uniform pieces. The grinding process is carefully controlled to produce wood chips of a specific size and shape, ensuring consistency throughout the batch.

Metal Removal

After the initial grinding, the mulch goes through a critical safety step. The shredded wood is passed over high-intensity conveyor belt-fed magnets that remove any metal particles. This process is repeated several times to ensure that the mulch is 99% metal-free, eliminating the risk of children being injured by stray metal pieces.

Size Sorting

The mulch is then sorted to ensure uniformity in size. This step is crucial for maintaining the mulch's shock-absorbing properties. The wood chips are passed through screens that separate them into appropriate sizes, with any oversized pieces being reprocessed.

Impact Testing

One of the most critical aspects of certified playground mulch production is impact testing. The mulch is rigorously tested to ensure it meets ASTM F1292 standards for fall protection. This testing simulates falls from various heights to guarantee that the mulch provides adequate shock absorption to prevent serious injuries.

Quality Control and Certification

Throughout the production process, strict quality control measures are in place. The mulch must pass rigorous inspections to receive IPEMA certification, which verifies its compliance with playground safety requirements.

Local Adaptation

In Lapeer County, producers of certified playground mulch may adapt their processes to local conditions and requirements. They might work closely with local parks departments, schools, and daycare centers to ensure their product meets specific needs while complying with Michigan state regulations for playground safety.

Ongoing Research and Improvement

Local manufacturers in Lapeer County continually research and improve their production processes. They stay updated on the latest safety standards and innovative techniques to enhance the quality and performance of their certified playground mulch. By following this meticulous production process, Owen Tree Service ensures that its certified playground mulch meets the highest safety standards. This dedication to quality helps create safer play environments for children, giving parents and caregivers peace of mind while kids enjoy their time on the playground.

To schedule a delivery of certified playground mulch to your property call Owen Tree Service at 800-724-6680.