Is Rubber Mulch Bad?

Fire Hazard

• Ground rubber is more likely to catch fire than other mulches, and the fire is more difficult to extinguish. This makes rubber mulch a poor choice to use around homes and in areas where there is a risk of natural or man-made fire.

Environmental Risk

• Research at Bucknell University cited by Chalker-Scott indicates that the substances that leach from rubber cause serious harm to aquatic habitats. The contaminates kill fish, snails, algae and zooplankton. At low concentrations they cause lesions and reproductive problems.

Permanance

• Although rubber mulch is advertised as a permanent mulch, several species of bacteria break down rubber. As the rubber breaks down it leaches heavy metals into the soil and groundwater.

Advantages

• According Dr. Curtis Swift of the Colorado State University Extension, although rubber mulches do leach heavy metals into the soil, it's not enough to effect plant growth. Rubber mulches stay put better than many traditional organic mulches, and they don't attract termites, carpenter ants or fungi. Rubber mulches may be a better option for playgrounds that gardens, suggests the University of Florida Extension.