However, despite the popularity of wood mulch over the years, many gardeners have decided to turn their backs on wood in favor of using rubber mulch instead. Why is this? And which is better? Mulch is material that is spread on top of soil, usually around bedding shrubs or trees. Mulch makes the area look tidier, but also cuts back on gardening costs.
Additionally, many new buildings feature beds where exposed soil is covered with a inch layer of mulch. Traditionally, wood chip mulch has predominantly been used, as it not only performs the necessary function but over time decays into the soil, and is therefore recycled before being replaced. What is Wood Mulch? Natural wood mulch consists of any kind of recycled wood matter, chopped up finely into wood chips and spread over an area.
It is typically made from organic matter such as reconstituted wooden pallets, tree bark, leaves, and trimmed branches. Recycled rubber mulch is made from using old rubber tires.
Mulching with rubber mulch has become more popular over the years because we now have better ways or recycling tires into rubber mulch. However, wood mulch needs to be replaced every year or two, whereas rubber mulch will last much longer. Overall, rubber mulch is the cheaper option only if you want to keep the mulch in place for many years. Otherwise, wood mulch is cheaper. Recycled rubber mulch costs you significantly more in its initial outlay because it is not a natural byproduct and takes time and resources to produce from old tires.
Judging only on the upfront price, rubber mulch is often the worst option, however people choose it for its advantages — it suppresses weeds better, holds in moisture better, and requires very little maintenance — and for its longevity which can reduce costs in the long run.
The increasing use of recycled rubber mulch on government parks and shrubbery tells you all you need to know about which one is more cost-effective in the long term. The best mulch material will depend on your needs. Both options are effective for mulching your garden, and both have real advantages and disadvantages. If cost is your main deciding factor, wood is cheaper for short-term use and rubber is cheaper for long-term use because it is so long lasting.
If you are concerned about using a natural product, wood mulch is the best choice. Adding organic matter to the soil loosens it, increases nutrient and water retention, and feeds earthworms and beneficial soil microbes. Finally, rubber mulch isn't a healthy choice. Like everything else, it does break down, and when it does, it leaches a witch's brew of heavy metals and toxic chemicals into the soil and ground water. Rubber mulch is also a fire hazard -- it burns at a much higher temperature than natural mulches and belches toxic smoke.
By Steve Bender. Save FB Tweet More. Photo: nevadaappeal. Rubber mulch is considerably more expensive than organic mulch. While rubber mulch does last longer, it takes around six to eight years for the average homeowner to recoup their investment.
Just beware of cheap rubber mulches, which are often made from radial tires and might still have bits of wires inside. Wire-free mulch costs more. If it does, it will burn faster and hotter, be harder to extinguish, and release thick smoke laden with harmful chemicals.
In fact, you might need to remove the entire top layer of soil to get all the rubber out. There are a lot of pros that come with purchasing rubber mulch, however, there are some aspects to be aware of when switching over:.
The long-run is cost-effective since you do not need to replace it as often, but it is initially more expensive. This could take up to eight years to feel the return of money. This makes it a little trickier when clearing the rubber out of your yard. It takes more effort to get rid of rubber mulch, especially since it lasts for so long. Over time, the rubber could leak chemicals that can harm the surrounding plants. Zinc is one of the most prominent chemicals from rubber which could negatively affect plant growth and keeping them healthy.
Rubber mulch gained attention because of its durability and long lasting effects. It is said to last more than 10 years before it needs to be replaced or added to. Many people add wood mulch annually or every other year, depending on how the previous mulch placement is lasting.
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