A mulch covering the ground brings a new beautiful look to the outside spaces.
Although there are various types of mulches, it’s crucial to use a mulch that’s suitable for your garden. I find rubber Mulch the perfect choice for plants, covering the ground, and landscaping.
Unlike other mulches like wood mulch, rubber mulch repels termites and prevents the growth of weeds as it doesn’t absorb water.
In addition, it comes in different long-lasting colors and is durable.
Rubber mulch has a high quality in the making. This way, the soil is kept fertile, hydrated, more relaxed, and aerated.
There are different types of rubber mulches you may find in the market. Have you been using the wrong one? No need to fret. You’ll find the best types discussed in this guide.
Also Check – Best Mulch For Vegetable Garden
7 Best Rubber Mulches
Playsafer Rubber Mulch Nuggets
If you’re looking for a rubber mulch that provides a safer play area, look no further. Playsafer rubber mulch is certified by IPEMA and reduces the chances of injury in playgrounds. Spreading the nuggets is uncomplicated as they come packed in 40 LB bags.
The rubber mulch doesn’t decompose, so you don’t need to apply it again.
Also, this type of rubber mulch is friendly to the environment. Why is that? Playsafer rubber mulch nuggets are made from recycled tires and are metal-free.
Its color can last for up to 12 years and is made of good quality material, therefore, durable.
In addition, your lay ground is always ready as the rubber mulch nuggets dry fast. They also don’t freeze even on the coldest days.
Pros
- Environmental friendly
- Attractive
- Prevents weed growth
- It doesn’t breed termites
- Time-saving and maintenance-free
- Reduces risk of injury
- Provides shock absorbency
Cons
- May smell in the first use
The verdict
Playsafer rubber mulch nuggets are the best for playgrounds as they reduce injuries. Therefore, using this type of rubber mulch is easy and takes less time.
Rubberific Rubber Mulch Bagged Brown
It comes in brown color, weighs 12.97 pounds, and is 100% recycled rubber. Its color doesn’t fade away even after a long time of use — therefore, maintains its original beauty. Rubberific rubber mulch blends well with the soil, thanks to its brown color.
Also, Rubberific rubber mulch saves you time as it doesn’t require maintenance and provides a safe playground covering.
Pros:
- Maintains its original beauty
- It doesn’t compress or decompose
- It saves you time and money
- Provides a safe playground
- It’s easy to spread
Cons:
- May require an adapter for use out of the U.S
The verdict
It has a realistic texture and a safe playground guarantee; rubberific rubber mulch can be a good choice.
Its ability to maintain color is an added advantage as the environment remains beautiful.
Plow & Hearth 51522 Permanent Mulch Pathway
This type of mulch looks like a traditional wood mulch. It maintains its color regardless of the amount of time it has been in use and allows air, water, and nutrients to pass through but blocks the growth of weeds.
It gives your yard a brilliant look and blends perfectly with the landscape.
In the making, recycled tires are shredded and made lighter. Moreover, Plow & hearth mulch can be used in vegetable gardens, flower gardens, and landscaping.
In addition, this mulch reduces your work as it’s permanent; hence, doesn’t need replacement.
Also, it doesn’t require many skills to use as you only need to roll it out, and it keeps the outdoors looking great.
Pros
- It’s easy to use
- It remains neat
- Doesn’t blow away during cleaning of fallen leaves
- It looks like wood with fewer maintenance needs
- Allows air and water through
- It has multiple uses
Cons
- Can breed pests and fungi as it conserves moisture
The verdict
The plow & hearth type of mulch is perfect if you need a permanent recyclable mulch. It’s easy to use and has multiple uses.
NuPlay Rubber Nugget
It’s best for flower beds. NuPlay Rubber Nugget is made from recycled rubber and is wire-free; therefore, safe for pets and children.
The mulch doesn’t lose its color despite being used for a decade or more. Its weight (37 pounds) may not favor you when you want to lift it, but that prevents it from being blown away. Nonetheless, NuPlay Rubber Nugget is expensive but is made of high quality and is durable.
Pros
- It’s non-flammable
- It comes in different colors
- It’s long-lasting
- It comes in good sizes
- Recycled from tires
- ASTMF3012 tested
Cons
- It has a bad smell on hot days
- It’s heavy
The verdict
The NuPlay Rubber Nugget is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a durable and easy-to-use mulch for your flowers and gardens.
International mulch comes in packages of 16lb, and it covers 9sq. ft at 1” depth of mulch. Its coverage area is 9 sq. ft—dry volume: .8 cu. Ft. The international mulch can be used in playgrounds or for landscaping and plants.
Aso, it’s proven to be non-toxic and is approved for playground use.
It’s shredded and weighs 15 pounds.
Pros
- It’s non-toxic
- Safe for playgrounds
- ADA approved
Cons
- A bit heavy
The Verdict
International mulch is a safe choice for both landscaping and playgrounds.
Vigoro 0.8 cu. ft. Rubber Mulch (2 pack) 12 YEAR COLOR GUARANTEE
Although this much is a bit expensive, it could be an excellent choice for you if you hate to weed. It acts as a weed growth barrier and also imitates a natural look. Its size offers excellent ground coverage.
You can use Vigoro rubber mulch for landscaping and in play areas too. Not only is it safe for playgrounds, but also safe for plants. You can use Vigoro mulch anywhere other mulches like wood are used.
Besides, since it doesn’t attract insects and pests like termites, it’s rated among the top best mulches to use.
VigoroRubber mulch weighs approximately 12 lbs.
Pros
- Repels insects and pests
- Safe for plants and playground
- Multiple uses
- Blocks weed growth
Cons
- A bit pricey
The Verdict
Although this mulch is a bit pricey, it’s worth every coin spent. It offers the plants a safe environment for growth by keeping weeds, termites, and insects away.
If you want to protect your plants and flowers, promote their growth, and make your garden look great through landscaping, look no further. Black Rubber Mulch is here to help you achieve that.
If you want your plants to grow in the right way, you should focus on having the right mulch. This mulch creates a barrier but allows air to go directly into the roots of the plants. That promotes their growth.
It’s an easy-to-use rollout that doesn’t take much of your time installing. Also, it enhances the space in your garden, durable and resistant to weather.
Black Rubber Mulch is a perfect idea for all landscaping ideas and needs.
Pros
- Durable
- Time-saving
- Resistant to weather and temperatures
- Allows water penetration
- Looks natural
- It can be cut to fit your space
Cons
- Heavy
The verdict
Black Rubber Mulch is a perfect mulch for landscaping with many benefits to your garden and the plants.
Uses Of Rubber Mulch
Rubber mulch is used for several purposes.
They include:
1. Gardening
The purpose of rubber mulching in the garden is to help raise the soil’s ability to hold moisture. It serves as a weed growth barrier and allows the plants to grow with minimal distractions.
2. Horse Arenas
In horse arenas, rubber mulch is the best choice. It has a high shock absorbency and a comfortable texture. It brings the horses and the riders to better performance.
3. Playgrounds
Mulching helps keep the surface of a playground safe for kids, adults, and pets. Rubber mulch is safe for both hard and soft play activities.
Rubber mulch boosts the runner’s performance during athletics with its realistic texture and shock absorbency.
4. Landscaping
For landscaping, rubber mulch is used to decorate the environment. It brings in the sense of beauty in homes. It’s made possible by the attractive, long-lasting colors it has.
Benefits Of Rubber Mulch
Mulching brings many benefits to the garden when used the right way. As a good example, rubber mulch has come out popular due to the advantages it carries. It’s made from worn-out tires and comes in different types.
So, what are the overall benefits of rubber mulch?
Promotes Good Growth Of Plants
Rubber mulch lets nutrients, air, and water go through to the roots of the plants, which other mulches absorb.
It repels insects, termites, and fungi – therefore, the pests can’t damage the crops. Here’s how rubber mulch repels pests and fungi:
Insects and pests are all over wood mulch as it decays. The degraded products are what the termites and the fungus depend on to feed. That isn’t the case with rubber mulch, as it never wears.
So, the problems are kept at bay.
Consequently, the pests can’t get a chance to destroy the plants.
It Prevents The Growth Of Weeds
We all know how a mulch surrounded by weeds can be ugly. You don’t need to think about weed control with rubber mulch — it prevents them from germinating.
The seeds of the weeds are dried even before reaching the soil, as rubber mulch doesn’t absorb water or nutrients.
Durable
Unlike wood mulch which needs replacement every year or two, rubber mulch is durable. It can last for ten years or more when installed correctly. That’s more than enough time to save up for another rubber mulch, right?
It comes in different colors that can last up to 12 years.
Cheaper In the Long Run
Although rubber mulch is known to have a high initial cost, the overall price is lower. That is because it requires less to zero maintenance and can last for a long time.
In other mulches, homeowners need to spend money after a short period for maintenance and replacement.
Rubber mulch saves homeowners time, too.
Weatherproof
Rubber mulch copes up with different types of weather all year round.
It’s able to withstand the most challenging weather and remains in shape.
Inorganic
As the advantages of organic mulches are over many webs, the disadvantages are least known. Some organic mulches that decay may leave the soil with high acidity, which is unhealthy.
Also, some decayed materials could bring dangerous elements to the ground; therefore, the plants are affected.
Rubber mulch doesn’t put the soil at risk of dangerous substances since it’s not organic.
Absorbs Shock
In playgrounds, it provides shock absorbency and great padding depending on the type of rubber mulch. It’s safe for both complex and easy ground activities.
In horse arenas, it provides a safe environment for people and horses. Its ability to absorb shock keeps the horse’s legs safe.
As the rubber mulch doesn’t absorb moisture, it discourages the growth of fungi. That’s a great advantage to the horses as they’re safe from fungi infections.
Factors To Consider When Purchasing Mulch
Mulching does well with no end to both the plants and the soil. However, consider factors as discussed below before you purchase a mulch.
Purpose Of The Mulch
The intended use of the mulch is a crucial factor that determines the amount of mulch you purchase. Homeowners may buy mulch for many reasons, such as:
- Weed control
- Improve soil’s health
- To help the soil retain moisture
- To keep the roots protected
- For beauty purposes, among others
With a medium texture, shredded woods can work in different environments. Rubber mulch nuggets can be used in many areas but are best used under the trees.
The purpose of the mulch can help you decide the type of mulch to purchase.
Variety
There are different types of organic and inorganic mulches made in companies. You may choose a mulch depending on its suitability to the soil and the plants. It’s essential to determine the different types of mulches in the stores and their availability.
You can find a variety of products in different companies and stores.
Having the right mulch is crucial to keeping the plants and garden healthy.
Consider Free Mulches
For flower beds and perennial beds, you can consider using fallen leaves. The leaves are free and work even better when shredded.
Also, dumped wood logs are an excellent mulch for trees and shrubs. However, shredded woods aren’t a safe option as they fight for nutrients meant for the plants. It happens in the initial stages of decomposition.
Bulk Or Bagged?
Mulch may come in truckloads or bags. Although bagged mulch is easier to handle, it’s a bit pricey. It’s more advantageous to a person with limited space for piles of bulk mulch.
If you desire to buy different types of mulches for various uses, bagged mulch could be your perfect option.
For bulk mulch, the price varies depending on the mulch’s use and delivery distance. If you need bulk mulch, a garden center is a perfect place to place your order.
Consider The Costs
Bagged mulches are cheaper. They’re best used in small gardens that don’t require an extensive application. Consider purchasing bulk mulch if the yard is large and may need more mulch.
Compare prices and quality from different companies and choose a company that best suits your needs.
Factors To Consider When Applying Mulch
Mulch is a healthy choice for your plants and gardens. Nonetheless, there are several factors to place on the table before application.
They are:
Application
It’s vital to apply mulch correctly. Excess mulch affects the soil and the plants in the long run. Also, too much mulch may cause rotting, putting the plants at risk of diseases.
If you aren’t sure of the amount of mulch to lay down, you can consult a mulch professional for advice. You may also visit a garden center for more information.
Nutrients
When leaves and other mulch materials decompose in the soil, humus is formed. Organic mulches decompose after some time, providing the ground with hummus. Homeowners choosing to use organic mulch are advised to use anti-weed before application.
Nonetheless, if you aren’t concerned about the nutrients, rubber mulch could be a better choice. You can forget about weeding on this mulch.
Texture
Whether the mulch is used for playgrounds or plants, the texture is essential to consider. A medium texture is often recommended.
When laying a mulch for your plants, refrain from a mulch with fine particles. The reason is that they absorb water.
Wrapping Up
Mulching is essential for the better health of your crops. Not only does it enhance the growth of the plants, but it also improves the health of the soil.
Rubber mulch allows water, air, and nutrients to get into the roots without absorbing them. For this reason, it’s rated as one of the best mulches in the market.
Also, rubber mulch is best for landscaping and playgrounds. It has a good texture and offers shock absorbency, provides a safe ground for play, athletics, and horse arenas and keeps the environment looking great as well.
