Is Rubber Mulch Safe For Plants

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Summertime is here! With the new season approaching, many homeowners have put into mind on how they can keep their backyard additions more appealing and helpful for the environment. You could have plenty of attractions in the backyard such as a playground, a back deck, a swimming pool, or the perfect backyard garden you have always been looking for. Have you ever considered installing rubber mulch instead of regular wood chipped mulch for your plants this season? 

In hindsight, rubber mulch can be a safe option for homeowners, landscapers, or gardeners alike. However, there are plenty of factors to consider before investing in this highly recommended eco-friendly product. In this comprehensive guide, we will determine if rubber mulch is indeed safe for your plants so you can feel comfortable, and your mind is at ease to investing rubber mulch soon. 

What is Rubber Mulch & How is it Used? 

Rubber mulch has emerged as a top contender investment for gardens, backyards, parks, etc. An eco-friendly product, rubber mulch is made from recycled rubber such materials being older tires. Other than its wood-chipped counterpart, rubber mulch is non-decomposable and can last much longer making it a long-term option for your garden. Additionally, rubber mulch is a fantastic way to keep that backyard safe for the kids while playing on the playground and can be seen as an excellent way to keep that garden safe. If you are interested in investing in something safer and more eco-friendly for your backyard, why not put rubber mulch on your summer shopping to do list? 

Consumer Preference for Rubber Mulch

Rubber mulch is an excellent and safe way to ensure a long-lasting summer attraction to your backyard in numerous aspects. One of the most common considerations that may make a difference in determining if rubber mulch is safe for your plants is the overall look and appearance of the rubber mulch. It has been noted by fellow gardeners that some do not feel that the appearance of the rubber mulch in their garden really fits in comparison to other organic alternative options. However, this has been on a basis of personal preference as rubber mulch has still stood out as a fantastic way to stand out as an eco-friendly option and to keep those plants safe this summer! This all may lead up to you choosing that perfect mulch to lay in your garden this summer, and why not choose something innovative such as rubber mulch? 

Rubber Mulch Chemicals & How it May Affect Your Garden. 

As previously mentioned before, rubber mulch is an excellent option for backyard attractions, even for your garden. However, it is important to pinpoint that rubber mulch can influence plants if not properly taken care of on a routine basis. The material in rubber mulch is usually from older tires, which may contain chemicals such as heavy metals or separate toxins. There is a possibility that the material could leak into the soil over time, potentially causing harm to your plants. Before investing in rubber mulch, it is best to communicate with your local vendor who sells rubber mulch so you can determine if that specific material can cause damage to your garden. The endgame here is to keep that garden safe and beautiful all summer long. 

Climate Effects & Heat Absorption

We have looked forward to this magnificent moment since that first snowfall after the holidays. Yes, we are talking about summertime. However, sometimes we forget that this time of the year can be gruesomely hot, and the hot temperatures can be overwhelming. But what can that mean with that rubber mulch carefully placed in that garden of yours? Rubber mulch tends to absorb and retain heat, which can lead to soil temperatures to dramatically rise. Unfortunately, this may lead to causing damage to the roots of your plants, especially in extremely hot temperature climates. 

This may cause concern with the potential purchase of rubber mulch. No worries at all! You can make a tremendous difference in preventing those roots from being damaged from that cruel mid-July heat. A couple of simple tasks that can accomplish preventing damage is by regularly watering your plants on a routine basis and by monitoring your soil moisture levels. Always remember to be prepared for that brutal midsummer heat by drinking plenty of water, wearing sunscreen, and making sure your plants are safe from the heat, ensuring your rubber mulch investment is a sheer success!

The Importance of Microbial Activity in Rubber Mulch

You have envisioned all winter long just how your garden will turn out this summer. You have made the safe and wise decision to invest in rubber mulch for a long-term approach for your backyard attraction such as your garden plants. Rubber mulch has emerged as a safe option amongst homeowners, playground owners, landscapers, and even gardeners. One of the key factors to consider when investing in rubber mulch is the overall safety of your plants for this season. That is why you must understand the significant importance of microbial activity in the materials of rubber mulch and how it can cause slight damage to your plants. 

Most organic mulches such as wood chips support microbial activity, which can be beneficial for soil health in your plants. However, rubber mulch does not break down like those organic materials. Rubber mulch may not provide the same benefits for soil structure and nutrient cycling. That is why it is completely important to weigh in this factor in investing in rubber mulch for your backyard, this option can still be safe for your plants, but has its downsides to consider. 

Final Thoughts: 

To summarize, rubber mulch is a fantastic and innovative investment for all homeowners alike. You can use it for numerous reasons such as installing it in your backyard garden. Rubber mulch can be a safe option for your plants, but there are ways that this material can lead to damage to your garden. Some may not find it attractive for their backyard but remember that this is based on preference, and this may lead to your decision.

Some of these potential dangers to your plants can include the chemicals in the rubber mulch material, the climate of the season, the drainage, and aeration & the microbial activity in rubber mulch. When you decide to invest in rubber mulch for the season, you want to make sure to communicate with your local supplier and monitor it on a regular basis to determine that the soil is perfect for your plants over time. So, what are you waiting for? Stop by your local garden supplier or stop by here at Kids World Play Systems and determine what ways you can make your backyard safer and eco-friendly for your plants or for other attractions.