Rubber Lanscape Mulch??
Question:I am redoing my who landscaping at my home and was introduced to a new product that looks like mulch but is rubber and made out of recycled tires. It is nice and lasts at least 10 years but does anyone know of any thing wrong with this product that may make me think otherwise? Thanks
Answers:
the "pros" out weigh the "cons" on this stuff! it's safer then wood mulch, doesn't attract pests the way others do, looks good for years, will warm up ur flower bed faster in the springtime, ... i can go on and on and on and on.... spend the money if u have it! it'll be one of ur best investments! good luck
Whats nice about it is that it lasts, color stays. there hasnt really been any problems with it yet. So go for it pal, and plus its safe for kids to play in.
I have some in my front yard. The bad side of it is that its expensive.
I used it when My dog dug up my Brother inlaws flower bed, it works good, it lasts super long, won't get mildewy or rotten, no chance of being infested with ants or other insects that eat some types of mulch/chips, won't fade, and if the kids eat it, it just passes through harmlessly... okay I admidt I made that last one up... You have to admidt someone would've had to be a redneck and say it All in all though it's really good stuff
Rubber mulch does indeed have some major drawbacks. Like any petroleum product - and used tires at that - the mulch will contain and leach out zinc, cadmium and heavy metals, among other things. There will also be a distinct rubber odor (especially in the heat of summer) that will likely be a turn off to certain beneficial insects.And if for some reason, there were to be a wildfire or accidental fire near the mulch, it will ignite like nobody's business. It is highly likely that rubber mulch is a result of government mandates that tire manufacturers find a way to reuse or recycle their product because it is considered toxic waste. Rubber mulch also poses a threat to the groundwater when it rains or it is sprinkled. All in all I would say stay away from a used petroleum product as a landscaping element.
I had the rubber 'stuff' in place for about 2 years. I replaced it this spring with natural mulch and can't keep my shrubs and flowers under control! A friend of mine has me convinced that the rubber mulch holds onto heat too much which is what caused premature brown spots and low growth on my plants last year. I paid a guy to come rake up all of my rubber mulch and carry it away to someone who wanted to try it! I initially thought it was a good use for used tires but now that I realize it is bad for plants, bad for the environment and hard to get rid of ... NEVER again!
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