What Is Rubber Mulch
Rubber mulch is made from shredded recycled tires, processed to remove steel belts and fibers. It comes in nugget, shredded, or mat form and is available in multiple colors. Unlike organic mulch, rubber doesn’t decompose, doesn’t need replacement, and doesn’t attract termites. It’s the standard surface material for commercial playgrounds because of its impact absorption.
Pros and Cons
The advantages are clear: it lasts 10 or more years, doesn’t wash away in rain, doesn’t attract insects, and provides excellent cushioning for play areas. The disadvantages are equally clear: it costs 3 to 4 times more than organic mulch upfront, adds nothing to soil biology, can release zinc and other compounds into soil over time, absorbs and radiates significantly more heat than wood mulch in summer, and smells like rubber in hot weather especially when new.
Where to Use It
Rubber mulch is best suited for playgrounds (ASTM rated for fall heights up to 10 feet depending on depth), pathways and walkways with heavy foot traffic, dog runs where organic mulch would decompose quickly, and areas where weed suppression is the only goal. Do not use rubber mulch in vegetable gardens, around edible plants, or in beds where you want soil improvement over time.
