8 Reasons Why Rubber Mulch is Worth
Every Penny

Rubber mulch is one of the most versatile and economic forms of mulch you can purchase. It can be used for a variety of areas, such as playgrounds, landscaping, exercise obstacle training courses,  equestrian arenas, and even the backyard.

When it comes to determining if rubber mulch is a good fit for your mulching project, it is essential to understand the reasons rubber mulch is a good option. In this article, you will learn about the value of rubber mulch and why you should choose to use it for your next project.

1. Rubber Mulch is a Good Insulator

Rubber mulch provides great insulation to plant roots. If you live in a climate that experiences harsh winter temperatures, rubber mulch can provide a barrier to protect the delicate root systems of your perennials that lay dormant for the winter months.

There are also insulation benefits of rubber mulch when it comes to high heat as well. Rubber mulch provides a barrier from the heat of the sun. Because rubber mulch does not break down or rot like traditional wood mulch, the protection is consistent.

2. Longest lasting mulch option

Rubber mulch is much longer-lasting than traditional wood mulch. Typically, wooden mulch needs to be replaced each year because it begins to breakdown in the weather. Rubber mulch, on the other hand, has an average life span of 10 years. Therefore, you do not have to worry about replacing it each year, which saves you both time and money.

Although rubber mulch is a durable option for groundcover, you will need to refresh the mulch from time to time. Because it is a manufactured product that has been infused with dye, the sunlight and weather will dull the color over time. While this does not impact the integrity of the mulch, it can lose its aesthetic appeal.

3. Virtually Maintenance Free

Rubber mulch is extremely low maintenance. Once you put the mulch in its designated area, you can leave it alone until it needs to be refreshed or replaced. Rubber mulch is not affected by weather like organic mulch.

While you do not need to worry about the mulch breaking down like organic matter, you will want to replace the mulch when it begins to lose its color after 12+ years of use. This however, is not a necessity; however, it does help with aesthetics.

4. Rubber Mulch Provides Increased Safety

The most common place you will see rubber mulch being used is on playgrounds. Rubber mulch is a popular option for outdoor play areas because of its durability as well as the increased safety it provides. Because it is rubber, there is a high degree of shock absorbancy that it provides when a child falls onto the surface. With 6-8 inches of infill material it can provide the highest fall rating of any playground surface. 

This helps prevent serious injuries from occurring on the playground. (Source: Consumer Reports)

5. Prevents unwanted Weeds and Pests

Rubber mulch is a great barrier for weeds and other pests. Because rubber mulch does not decompose like its organic counterpart, it is exceedingly difficult for weeds to receive enough nutrients to grow and survive. Although weeds cannot grow and survive in mulch, it is recommended to install fabric before laying the mulch down.

While rubber mulch holds in warmth and protects your plants from the potential harms of weather, it is not a good place for insects and other pests that typically live in the decomposing organic mulch. Because rubber mulch does not decompose, there is no food source to help pests to survive. (Source: Modern Pest Control)

6. Retains moisture in the Soil

Because of the composition of rubber mulch, it doesn’t soak up water like other organic mulches. Water passes directly through to the soil and plants reducing the amount of water that is needed to help maintain the health of your plants, not to mention the time that you will save not having to water your plants each day. This is particularly appealing when you live in a hot climate or water redistricted community.

Mocha Brown, Earthtone Color Mulch in a Garden Bed retaining moisture for plants.

7. ADA approved for wheelchair access

When used for commercial playgrounds and play areas Recycled Rubber Mulch fulfills the ADA (American with Disabilities Act) Compliance Standard as an accessible ground surface.  These standards also test turning and propulsion ability of a given surface. Other surfaces like Pea Gravel make it move of a challenge to move around when turning, or when going forward quickly "propulsion".   

This means that rubber mulch is a superior playground infill choice providing good compacted stability, and mobility as a surface to safely access a play area with a wheelchair as measured by ASTM F 1292 testing standards.  (Source: Access Advocates)

Picture Credit Access Turf

8. Easier on the joints

Many athletic facilities like climbing gyms and cross-train programs also choose to use rubber mulch as a base material for training and obstacle courses.  It provides great cushioning and protection from high falls. Not only is this a cleaner option than regular mulch or ground cover, but it is also much better for the joints of the athletes. As you know, rubber provides a cushion that can help eliminate the typical joint injuries that occur from impact-related activities.

Picture - Red Cedar Rubber Mulch used for a rock climbing gym.

BONUS ITEM 

9. No Dust

This item is more a side benefit of using the product than a main feature however we though it deserved an honorable mention since rubber mulch is chosen by many facilities, such as equestrian rings, because no dust is released when animals and people walk or run on the mulch. This not only benefits spectators and riders, but it is also beneficial for the animals that are using the arena frequently.

Rubber Mulch doesn't produce dust 

Is Rubber Mulch Safe?

While it is clear there are many benefits to using rubber mulch, the question of safety often comes up. Rubber mulch is safe for individuals and animals  by both providing a great non-toxic shock absorbent surfacing and antimicrobial landscape fill option less prone to bacterial and fungal growth. 

Rubber mulch is manufactured from end of life tires, these tires would otherwise be headed toward a landfill creating more waste. This environmental upcycing is no small effort, bringing new life to roughly 290 million tires each year (Source: Playground professionals) 

Jake Goodwin - Phone (800) 567-5358
Email: support @mymaterialwarehouse.com