How to Turn Tires into Mulch

Tires create a versatile, long-wearing mulch that isn't prone to the same bacteria and pest infestations that may occur with woody and organic mulches. Turning old tires into mulch is a very cost-effective, green way to conserve soil moisture and even enrich garden beds. Tire rubber does contain small traces of heavy metals, and some gardeners avoid using it in vegetable beds, but tires also have the useful plant element zinc. Mulch made from tires will last for many years, but cutting up old tires is very labor-intensive work.

Old tires
Sharp utility knife

Instructions

- 1
  Collect old tires from vehicles that are no longer in use and tire centers. Many tire centers have old, used tires they will sell for affordable prices or will give away.
- 2
  Lay the tire on a relatively flat, outdoor spot in the yard.
- 3
  Cut the sidewall away from the tire using a sharp utility knife.
- 4
  Cut the top 3 inches of the tread away. When cutting, point and move the blade of the knife away from your body and hold the knife at a roughly 45-degree angle to make slicing through the rubber easier. Pull up on the tread with your other hand as you cut.
- 5
  Lay out the cut strips of rubber so they are flat against the ground. Place the tread so it faces up, toward you.
- 6
  Hold one strip of rubber with your hand and cut into the rubber. Made cuts between the tire tread, where rubber is thinning. Cut the sidewalls and the tread strips up into small, 1- to 2-inch pieces. Alternately, you may take old tires to an industrial shredding company and have them process the tires for you.
- 7
  Lay the tire mulch around garden beds, playgrounds and other outdoor areas in a layer 2 to 4 inches thick.

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