Is Rubber Mulch Safe for Plants?

Rubber mulch is a popular choice for areas where safety is a top priority, like playgrounds where children play. Its ability to cushion falls and prevent injuries has made it a go-to material for many playgrounds. However, its use has expanded beyond just play areas and into the wider landscaping world, including gardens. But the question remains: Is rubber mulch safe to use around plants?

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Using Rubber Mulch in Gardening and Landscaping

When it comes to gardening and landscaping, rubber mulch can be an attractive option for many gardeners. Unlike traditional crushed stone, rubber mulch comes in a variety of colors that can add a fun and unique touch to your landscape. But beyond its aesthetic appeal, is rubber mulch a safe choice for your plants?

I’m not a chemist, so I won’t claim to have all the answers on the safety of rubber mulch for plants. However, it’s worth noting that there are some concerns raised by experts in the field. It’s always a good idea to do your own research and make an informed decision before incorporating any new material into your garden.

Pros and Cons of Rubber Mulch

June Fletcher of “The Wall Street Journal” has outlined some of the pros and cons of using rubber mulch compared to traditional wood mulch. Here is a summary of the key points:

Pros:

Long-lasting
Comes in a variety of colors

Cons:

Potential leaching of zinc into the soil over time, which could harm plants

In fact, environmental chemist Rufus L. Chaney from the U.S.D.A. Agricultural Research Service has conducted research showing that small amounts of zinc in rubber mulch can leach into the soil, posing a risk to plants. This potential “chemical overload” is a cause for concern when using rubber mulch around plants.

But the drawbacks of rubber mulch don’t end there. Linda Chalker-Scott, Ph.D., an Extension Horticulturist at Washington State University, has expressed strong skepticism about the use of rubber mulch. Her findings suggest that rubber mulch may not be a safe option for your garden.

Once again, I want to emphasize that I’m not here to scare you. My goal is to bring awareness to the potential risks associated with using rubber mulch around plants. Before making a decision, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons and consider the advice of experts in the field.

In the end, the choice of whether to use rubber mulch in your garden is a personal one. Trust your instincts and gather all the necessary information to make an informed decision that works best for your plants and your landscaping needs. Remember, a healthy dose of skepticism can go a long way in ensuring the safety and health of your garden.