Soft Fall Mulch: Safe, Sustainable and Smart Landscaping for Australian Homes and Playgrounds

When you think about playgrounds, gardens or outdoor spaces, you probably picture soft green grass, sturdy play equipment, or lush garden beds. But have you ever stopped to think about what goes under your feet? This hidden hero is called soft fall mulch, and it does more than just sit there looking pretty.

In this blog, we’ll unpack what soft fall mulch is, why it’s so important for safety and sustainability, and how Ace Landscapes can help you choose the best mulch for your playground, childcare centre, or backyard. We’ll also share how soft fall mulch ties into broader landscape supplies and services that keep your outdoor areas functional, safe and looking beautiful.

What Is Soft Fall Mulch?

At its simplest, soft fall mulch is a type of loose fill material laid on the ground - often under playground equipment or in play areas - to provide a soft, cushioned surface. The idea is that when kids run, jump, or inevitably take a tumble, the mulch absorbs the impact and helps reduce the risk of injuries.

Soft fall mulch can be made from various materials, but it’s typically organic - made from shredded timber or bark that’s been processed to ensure it’s free of sharp pieces or contaminants. This means you get a clean, natural-looking product that’s safe for kids and easy on the environment.

Why Is Soft Fall Mulch So Important?

Let’s be honest, children are naturally energetic explorers. No matter how carefully designed a playground is, trips and falls happen. Soft fall mulch is a key layer of protection that gives parents, schools, and councils peace of mind.

Here’s why soft fall mulch matters:

1. Safety Compliance:
   In Australia, playgrounds must comply with Australian Standards AS 4422:2016 for impact-absorbing surfacing. Using approved soft fall mulch helps you meet these
2. standards.Injury Prevention:
   A quality layer of soft fall mulch cushions the blow when kids fall, reducing the risk of scrapes, bruises and more serious injuries.
3. Natural Drainage:
   Soft fall mulch doesn’t just protect from falls, it helps manage water too. Its loose, organic structure improves drainage, preventing puddles and mud.
4. Environmental Benefits:
   Many soft fall mulches are made from recycled timber, diverting waste from landfill and creating a product that naturally breaks down over time, feeding nutrients back into the soil.

Where Is Soft Fall Mulch Used?

While playgrounds are the most common place to find soft fall mulch, it’s incredibly versatile. You might see it in:

• School play areas
• Council parks and reserves
• Childcare centres
• Backyard playsets and sandpits
• Walking trails and garden beds (for a natural look that’s also child-friendly)
  
  

In addition to its safety benefits, soft fall mulch is an attractive ground cover. Its natural appearance complements native gardens, landscaped parks and eco-friendly outdoor spaces.

How Thick Should Soft Fall Mulch Be?

One of the biggest questions we hear at Ace Landscapes is: How deep does the mulch need to be? The answer depends on the equipment and the fall height.

Australian Standards recommend different depths to ensure the mulch provides enough cushion. For example:

• For low play equipment (up to 1.5 metres high), you might need a depth of 200-250 mm.
• For higher equipment, you could require 300 mm or more.
  

It’s also important to regularly check and top up the mulch as it naturally compresses over time.

Other Benefits of Soft Fall Mulch

It’s easy to focus on safety, but soft fall mulch offers some great practical and aesthetic perks too:

• Weed Suppression: Just like garden mulch, soft fall mulch helps keep weeds at bay, saving you time and maintenance costs.
• Temperature Regulation: The mulch acts as an insulator, helping to keep the soil beneath cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
• Long-lasting and Cost-effective: Good-quality soft fall mulch is designed to be durable, and with the right maintenance, it can last for years before needing replacement.
• Appealing Look: Natural timber blends into the landscape beautifully, creating an inviting, nature-based play space.

How Ace Landscapes Supports You with Soft Fall Mulch

Choosing the right soft fall mulch isn’t just about grabbing any old bark chips. It’s about getting the safest, most effective product that meets Australian Standards and suits your specific site.

That’s where Ace Landscapes comes in.

1. Quality You Can Trust

We supply certified soft fall mulch that meets AS 4422:2016 standards, so you can be confident you’re using a product that’s safe and fit for purpose.

2. Sourced Responsibly

We care about the environment as much as you do. Our mulch is made from sustainably sourced timber, often using recycled materials that would otherwise go to waste.

3. Delivery When You Need It

From the Northern Beaches to the North Shore and beyond, our team can deliver bulk mulch straight to your site, whether it’s a school, council playground, or your own backyard.

4. Advice from the Experts

Not sure how much you need? Don’t worry, our friendly team can help you calculate the right quantity and recommend other landscape supplies that may come in handy for your project.

More Than Just Mulch: Complete Landscaping Supplies

When you choose Ace Landscapes, you’re partnering with a local supplier that understands what it takes to create beautiful, safe, and sustainable outdoor spaces.

In addition to soft fall mulch, we also provide:

• Sand Supplies: Perfect for sandpits, under soft fall mulch layers, or for construction needs.
• Soil & Turf: Healthy soil and premium turf for lawns and gardens.
• Timber & Firewood: Sustainable timber for construction, garden beds or fire pits.
  Pebbles & Aggregates: For pathways, drainage or decorative garden features.
  

From big commercial playgrounds to family backyards, we’re your one-stop shop for landscaping supplies in Sydney and the Northern Beaches.

Keeping Playgrounds Safe: Maintenance Tips

Once your mulch is installed, a little ongoing care goes a long way:

1. Check Depth Regularly: Heavy foot traffic and weather can compact the mulch. Make sure it stays at the right depth for safety.
2. Rake and Fluff: This helps maintain an even surface and consistent impact absorption.
3. Top Up When Needed: Over time, you may need to add new mulch to maintain compliance.
4. Keep it Clear: Remove any debris, rubbish, or foreign objects that could create hazards.

Ready to Order Soft Fall Mulch?

Whether you’re managing a local playground, a childcare centre, or just want your backyard to be safer for the kids, soft fall mulch is one of the smartest investments you can make.

At Ace Landscapes, we’re proud to supply quality soft fall mulch that ticks every box for safety, sustainability, and visual appeal. Plus, with our wide range of other landscaping products, you can get everything you need for your outdoor project in one place.

Want to talk mulch? Contact us today or visit our website to learn more about our soft fall mulch, sand supplies, and other landscaping essentials. We’re here to make your outdoor spaces safer, greener and more beautiful, one delivery at a time.