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T,
I found the rubber mulch at Sam's and took a chance with it. I used it in an area where there will be "no Growing" to cover a mud area-wide pathway to get to my potting shed.
I love it, it works and what I bought has no ordor. It has saved me countless hours cleaning up my garden clogs etc.
The problem is, I need 4 more bags and Sam's is now sold out in my area.
It works for me but I wouldn't use it in and around my garden.
I am seeing this product being used under playground equipment ...cushions the little tykes' falls quite nicely!! I think it would be great for jogging tracks, pathways, etc. and it certainly keeps all those smelly tires out of the landfills and from being piled up somewhere where they can catch on fire and burn for years!! I am a bit worried about using it in a garden setting, though. I imagine it gets very hot in the sun (like your tires do on a summer day!!) and could burn delicate plants, and we have no idea what it leaches into the soil, do we?
Sandy
Our University of Florida IFAS Extension office in Brevard County, FL doesn't recommend it. The leaching of zinc for one thing and difficulty in getting concise information from the manufacturers regarding what exactly is in that rubber mulch (apart from the wires). Perhaps just using it in a path area might be OK. I don't think it should ever be applied in a children's playground area until more is known about it (remember the treated wood that was used in children's playgrounds years ago ?).
Can rubber mulch be used around spring bulbs (Tulips, Daffodils, etc.). What about perennials that die back in winter and emerge in spring? Will the plants be able to penetrate the mulch next year?In other words, If I put it around my blooming flowers now and it suppresses the weeds will it also suppress my flowers when they attempt to emerge next spring?
All due respect, but as a representative of a rubber mulch company in Florida (for over 15 years now), we have worked very closely with the extension service in the past and continue to do so. I am not at all aware of anyone who does not recommend it - however as a state/county agency they will not recommend any particular brand (they must remain independent and unbiased).
We have been selling recycled tire material for use on playgrounds, landscapes and athletic for many years now - in fact playgrounds were one of our first markets about 15 years ago...and our biggest customer was the cities and counties in the State of Florida itself back when cities and counties were able to take advantage of funding through the waste tire grant (long since reallocated to non-tire project funding despite the fact the money comes when a Floridian purchases a new tire...very sad but typical politics).
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me directly - I would be more than happy to help!
p.s. Knapp1 - your bulbs will do fine. The rubber much doesn't actually surpress weeds - but unlike regular mulch it does not break down into something weeds like to grow in - thus "helps to control" weeds. Hope this helps!
I know this thread is over 4 years old, and hasn't had a reply in 2.5, but I came across it in my search and wanted to mention that GroundSmart Rubber Mulch has a store finder to help in finding more when your local store runs out of Rubber Mulch. It has happened to me a couple of times.
