We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Rubber Mulch?

Tricia Christensen
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,422
Share

Rubber mulch is quickly becoming a replacement for many other types of mulches. Mulch is a protective soil cover, and there are plenty of different varieties like organic ones, and even ground stone mulches. The rubber type is principally made from the leftover materials that create tires and from old tires. Many favor this mulch because it helps to get rid of the numerous tires that end up sitting in dumps or in disposal areas, and due to some of its advantages. There are also those strongly opposed to the use of this mulch.

More than one source claims that rubber mulch could be hazardous. There are certain things known about it, like its inherent flammability and difficulty to extinguish if it does catch on fire. A few other claims made regarding potential pitfalls include that rubber mulch doesn’t tend to control weeds as well as organic mulch, that it may contain very dangerous chemicals that will leech into plants and be dangerous to kids who are constantly exposed. It is fair to state that the information on this mulch represents two diametrically opposed views, and consensus has not yet been reached on which view is entirely correct.

Some of the pluses of rubber mulch include the fact that it is longer lasting than some other forms of mulch, especially most organic forms. It may also prove beneficial to plants as a covering because it doesn’t breath well and thus can the heat the ground in which plants grow. Rubber mulch is often said to be aesthetically pleasing because it be dyed in a variety of colors.

There are additional claims about the benefits of using rubber mulch including the fact that it tends to keep insects away, and that it usually won’t mold or attract fungi. City planners or simply folks at home trying to provide a safe place for children to play may be drawn to this mulch because it has an inherent “bouncy” quality to it, which may make jumping, running, and simply hard play much safer. The other attraction is the fact that the mulch is made from recycled materials, and that seems extremely worthwhile to lots of people who are trying to create less environmental debt.

In light of the very diverse opinions regarding rubber mulch, people might want to explore this issue more before choosing this mulch. There are alternatives, though some note difficulty in finding organic types of mulch since rubber mulch has grown in popularity. Organic mulches are still available, however, and also have many advantages in gardening and landscaping.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Tricia Christensen
By Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a WiseGeek contributor, Tricia Christensen is based in Northern California and brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her writing. Her wide-ranging interests include reading, writing, medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion, all of which she incorporates into her informative articles. Tricia is currently working on her first novel.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a WiseGeek contributor, Tricia...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-rubber-mulch.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.