Rubber mulch

Mulch made from recycled rubber

Rubber mulch is a type of mulch used in gardening and landscaping that is made from recycled rubber, most often crumb rubber sourced from waste tires.

Rubber mulch typically consists of waste tire bits or nuggets of synthetic rubber obtained from tires that have been shredded or ground up whole, with their steel bands removed. This process can involve the use of various types of tires, including those from passenger vehicles, large trucks, and trailers. The resulting rubber mulch bits or nuggets range in size from 10 mm to 32 mm, or 3/8 inch to 11⁄4 inch

For landscaping and gardening purposes, both nuggets and buffings of rubber mulch provide insulation for the soil, which can result in a soil temperature difference of 2 or 3 degrees F higher compared to wood mulches. Additionally, rubber mulch is advantageous for soil moisture, as rubber is non porous and does not absorb water as it passes through to the soil. Moreover, it can reduce fungus growth and plant growth while acting as a weed barrier, as weed seeds dehydrate in the mulch before reaching the soil. Another advantage over plant material mulches is its elasticity, which gives it a springy quality when used in a fairly thick layer. This makes it a choice for playgrounds, where the springiness provides additional safety for children when they fall off of playground equipment. Tests have shown that rubber mulch is superior in breaking falls to traditional bark mulches. The International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association has certified some rubber mulches for ASTM F1292 09.