Is Rubber Mulch Safe for Plants?

Identification

• Rubber mulch is made from recycled tire scraps. They provide an alternative to nonrenewable sources such as wood chips and bark. In addition to its use as a soil amendment, rubber mulch is also used for playgrounds.

Advantages

• Rubber mulch is slow to decompose. It is also recycled, making it an environmentally friendly solution. Advocates also claim that it is nontoxic, odor-free and that it resembles other mulching products, since it can be painted.

Disadvantages

• Some experts question the benefits and safety of rubber mulch. Rubber is highly flammable, certainly more so than other mulch options. Critics also argue that rubber mulch may be toxic in some conditions and that it is less effective than organic mulches.