
Using Rubber Mulch
We are considering using rubber mulch this year, but don't know the pros and cons.
I prefer organic mulches like shredded leaves, evergreen needles, herbicide-free grass clippings and woodchips or shredded bark. These help conserve moisture, reduce weeds, moderate fluctuations in soil temperatures, and improve the soil as they break down. Since most of us garden in less-than-ideal soil anything we can do to improve the soil is worth the time and effort. Rubber mulch will help conserve moisture and reduce weeds but it will not improve the soil. Some gardeners have reported problems with high soil temperatures under the rubber mulch harming plants. I prefer to limit rubber mulch to play areas (check on fiberglass residue), pathways, around structures or near building where plants are not being grown.
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