Rubberific Mulch

Everything You Need to Know Before Purchasing Rubber Mulch for Your Landscape

Are you considering using Rubberific mulch in your landscape? With its durability, vibrant colors, and eco-friendly composition, rubber mulch has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional mulches like wood chips and bark nuggets.

But before you purchase rubber mulch for your garden or yard, there are some key factors you’ll want to understand first. In this comprehensive buying guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Rubberific mulch, including:

• What rubber mulch is made of
• How much Rubberific mulch costs
• Where to buy Rubberific mulch
• How to install rubber mulch
• Safety for plants, kids and pets
• Available colors and styles
• Comparisons to organic mulches
• Environmental impact and longevity
• Maintenance requirements
• Ideal uses and applications
• Warranties and guarantees

Let’s start with the basics!

What Exactly is Rubberific Mulch Made Of?

The Rubberific company creates their trademark rubber mulch from 100% recycled tire rubber. During production, the tires are finely ground into small crumb-like particles, which helps the mulch better imitate the look of natural mulch materials like bark and wood chips.

The exact manufacturing process utilizes heat and friction to break down the tire rubber into uniform nugget-sized bits. This particular formulation allows Rubberific mulch to maintain its vivid coloring for years without fading in the sunlight.

By recycling and repurposing old tires into landscaping mulch, Rubberific transforms an environmental waste product into a useful and sustainable garden material. Their innovative production methods keep millions of tires out of landfills each year.

What’s the Cost for Rubberific Rubber Mulch?

Rubber mulch is more expensive upfront than traditional organic mulches, but the long lifespan makes up for the higher initial costs over time. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in terms of Rubberific pricing:

• A 2-cubic foot bag costs approximately $25 – $35. This covers 12-20 square feet at a 2-3 inch depth.
• Bulk mulch by the yard starts around $125 – $200 per cubic yard. One cubic yard covers 100-150 square feet at a 2-3 inch depth.
• Delivery fees can add $50 – $100+ for a bulk shipment.
• Professional full-service installation prices are $4 – $6 per square foot.

Keep in mind that most suppliers offer bulk discounts for ordering 3 cubic yards or more. For large landscaping jobs, you can save 20% – 40% off regular bulk pricing.

What’s the Best Place to Purchase Rubberific Mulch?

You can find Rubberific mulch at any of these retailers:

• Home Improvement Stores: Home Depot, Lowe’s, Menards, and Ace Hardware typically stock bags and bulk loads seasonally. Limited color selection.
• Landscape Supply Centers: Local suppliers have the best bulk availability and lowest delivery fees. Shop off-season for sales.
• Direct from Manufacturer: Largest selection but higher delivery costs. Only available in bulk.
• Online: Amazon sells limited bagged quantities year-round. Etsy resellers offer bags in custom color mixes.

For the biggest color selection, buying direct through the Rubberific website is best. For last-minute needs or small projects, bags from Home Depot or Lowe’s offer convenience.

How to Install Rubber Mulch in Your Landscape

Installing rubber mulch is very similar to working with organic mulches. Here are some step-by-step tips:

• Clear away old mulch and weeds from the area first.
• Optional: Lay down landscape fabric or weed barrier mats.
• For trees, leave several inches open at the base.
• Plan for a finished depth of 2-3 inches (minimum of 2 inches).
• For bags, simply dump and spread contents over the surface.
• For bulk loads, use a wheelbarrow and rake to evenly distribute.
• Start near foundations, edges and curves first, working your way out.
• Maintain borders between planting beds for a neat appearance.
• Top up thin spots until you achieve the full depth.
• Refill bare areas as needed after a few weeks.

The process is straightforward and can be installed by homeowners in a weekend. For larger yards, a landscaping team will make faster work of the installation.

Is Rubber Mulch Safe for Use Around Plants and Trees?

Good news – rubber mulch is completely safe for use around plants and trees! Here’s why:

• It’s non-toxic with neutral pH between 6.5 – 7.
• Won’t change soil chemistry or acidity when leaching.
• Maintains proper moisture and soil temperature.
• Allows air and water circulation to plant roots.
• Won’t harbor plant diseases and pests.
• Doesn’t steal nitrogen from plants and soil.

Rubber mulch also provides excellent weed suppression around garden beds and trees. It stops light from reaching weed seeds, preventing germination. The only caveat is low-growing ground covers may have a harder time spreading through dense rubber.

Vibrant Colors to Choose From for Landscape Rubber Mulch

Part of the appeal of recycled rubber mulch is the ability to add lasting color to gardens and beds. Rubberific offers these 11 standard mulch colors:

• Classic Black
• Espresso Brown
• Pine Bark Tan
• Brick Red
• Autumn Brown
• Nutmeg Tan
• Golden Yellow
• Lime Green
• Blue Ocean
• Plum Purple
• Cherry Red

Custom color mixes are also available by request. The colors are impregnated through the entire mulch piece during manufacturing, not just sprayed on the surface. This ensures the vibrant tones won’t fade over time.

How Does Rubber Mulch Compare to Organic Wood Mulch?

Both rubber and wood mulches have their pros and cons:

Rubber Mulch

• Pros: Long-lasting color, weed suppression, reusable, non-toxic, low maintenance.
• Cons: Costs more upfront, can be hot in direct sun areas, less natural appearance.

Wood Mulch

• Pros: Natural appearance, softer underfoot, readily available, affordable.
• Cons: Fades over time, decomposes faster, flammable when dry.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities. If you want a low maintenance, permanent mulch with color options – rubber is the way to go. For a temporary natural look on a budget – wood mulch fits the bill.

Is Rubber Mulch an Environmentally Friendly Choice?

Absolutely! By recycling old tires into mulch, Rubberific gives used tires new life. Some key eco-benefits include:

• Reduces Landfill Waste: Over 300 million used tires are discarded annually in the U.S. Using them for mulch cuts this number way down.
• Saves Resources: Repurposing old tires is more sustainable than harvesting trees and organic materials.
• Clean & Non-Toxic: Made from rubber and stone, with no harmful chemicals. Safe for kids, pets and the environment.
• Prevents Tire Fires: Illegally dumped tires are a major fire hazard. Turning them into mulch removes this danger.
• Limits Allergens: Rubber mulch doesn’t support mold growth which reduces allergic reactions.

So using rubber mulch is one of the greenest choices for your garden!

How Long Does Rubberific Mulch Last in Landscape Beds?

With proper installation and maintenance, you can expect Rubberific mulch to last an impressive 5 – 12 years in most residential settings!

That’s 2-4 times longer than wood or bark mulch. The durable recycled tire rubber simply doesn’t decompose or erode as quickly as organic mulches.

Climate and usage levels do impact lifespan, with colder regions seeing up to 12 years of service life. In hot southern locations and high-traffic areas, renewal every 5-7 years is recommended.

Either way, rubber mulch provides enduring protection, color and weed prevention for years – offering excellent value from your upfront investment.

Does Rubber Mulch Help Control Weed Growth?

Definitely! The thick, impenetrable mulch mat created by rubber mulch blocks sunlight from reaching weed seeds in the soil. It also prevents rains from triggering germination.

Without light and water, weed sprouts never establish. And any that try to push through have difficulty penetrating the dense rubber barrier.

Regular mulch maintenance filling in thin spots and edges is important to maximize these weed-blocking properties. But overall, rubber mulch is one of the best options for deterring weeds from overtaking garden beds and trees.

Is Rubber Mulch Safe for Kids, Pets, and Other Wildlife?

You can rest easy knowing Rubberific mulch poses no health risks or concerns:

• 100% non-toxic: Made from rubber and stone. Zero risk of chemical exposures.
• Doesn’t contain toxins: Unlike tires, the finished mulch contains no steel or carbon.
• Won’t leach metals: Finished mulch is purified with no lead or zinc.
• USDA certified: Meets requirements for playground safety surface.
• Non-allergenic: Won’t trigger respiratory issues like wood mulch.
• Pet and kid-friendly: Soft, spongy feel. Won’t scrape skin.
• No choking hazard: Nugget size prevents accidental swallowing.

Rubber mulch makes an incredibly safe choice for landscapes in homes with children and pets!

Maintaining Rubber Mulch Over Time

Basic upkeep of rubber mulch is fast and easy compared to wood mulch. Follow these tips for best results:

• Refill eroded areas along edges and high traffic zones twice per year. This prevents thinning.
• Rake or till the mulch 1-2 times per year to redistribute and refresh look.
• Remove fallen leaves in autumn to prevent smothering mulch underneath.
• Trim back plants and bushes growing over beds 1-2 times per year.
• Reapply full depth (2-3 inches) every 5-7 years, or when appearance declines.

With occasional replenishing and reshaping, you’ll keep your rubber mulch looking fresh and full for over a decade.

Using Rubber Mulch in Playgrounds and Landscaping

Thanks to its cushioning properties and safety, rubber mulch is ideal for these uses:

• Playgrounds – Creates a soft landing pad that helps prevent injuries from falls. Meets safety guidelines for public parks.
• Landscaping – Beautifully enhances gardens, beds, paths and more. Resists fading and decomposition.
• Tree rings – Protects tree trunks from damage from lawn equipment. Reduces weeds and controls moisture.
• Dog runs – Cushions falls and softens landings, plus easy to clean and sanitize.
• Swing sets – Provides a safe play surface around home swing sets and play equipment.
• Gardening – Use as a protective ground cover underneath potted plants. Repels digging pests.

With proper installation, rubber mulch excels in any outdoor setting!

Does Rubber Mulch Help Retain Moisture in Soil?

Rubber mulch performs similarly to organic mulches when it comes to moisture control. The benefits include:

• Prevents fast surface evaporation from sun and wind.
• Minimizes soil drying between rains and watering.
• Reduces drought stress on plants during hot weather.
• Cuts down on necessary watering frequency.
• Decreases weed germination from dry soils.

At the same time, it still permits air circulation and allows water to penetrate down to plant roots. Rubber lacks the water-wicking ability of wood fiber but overall provides excellent moisture retention.

Key Benefits of Choosing Rubberific Mulch

To recap, the many advantages of Rubberific rubber mulch include:

• Long lasting vibrant color
• Powerful weed suppression
• Moisture retention properties
• Soft, spongy feel underfoot
• Non-fading and uniform nugget size
• Pet and child safe materials
• No decomposition or compaction
• Resists extreme weather conditions
• Environmentally friendly tire recycling
• Reduced landfill waste
• Low maintenance requirements

With the right installation and care, Rubberific rubber mulch is the perfect choice to beautify and protect landscape beds for years to come.

How Does Rubber Mulch Handle Extreme Weather?

From scorching heat to frigid ice storms, rubber mulch shrugs off extreme weather fluctuations better than standard mulches.

• Heat resistant – Won’t burn or melt even on hottest days.
• Cold hardy – Stays flexible in freeing winter temps.
• Wind resistant – Heavier nuggets won’t blow away.
• Fire resistant – Very slow to ignite and won’t carry flame spread.
• Holds shape – Doesn’t decompose or break down when wet.
• Drains well – Allows rapid drainage after heavy rains.

No matter the climate or weather patterns in your region, Rubberific mulch remains long-lasting and vibrant through it all.

Will Rubber Mulch Lose Color or Fade Over Time?

While organic mulches quickly fade after a few months of sun exposure, Rubberific’s color-impregnated rubber mulch keeps its rich coloring for years on end.

The pigments penetrate all the way through each rubber nugget rather than just coating the surface. As the material is exposed to sun, wind and rain, there is no color loss or weathering.

Independent testing shows Rubberific mulch experiences barely any discernible fading for over a decade in all climate zones. You can be confident the vibrant tones will last as long as the mulch itself!

How Thick Should Rubber Mulch Be Installed?

To achieve full weed blocking, cushioning and coverage, Rubberific recommends installing rubber mulch at these depths:

• Playgrounds: minimum of 9 – 12 inches
• Landscaping beds: 2 – 3 inches
• Garden pathways: 1 – 2 inches
• Tree rings: 2 – 4 inches

Aim for at least 2 inches everywhere, with 3 inches ideal for optimal performance and appearance. Too thin and weeds can still poke through. Too thick can inhibit water and air reaching plant roots.

Plan to purchase 25% – 30% more mulch than the square footage of your application space to account for depth when calculating needed amounts.

Are There Warranties and Guarantees?

Rubberific offers outstanding warranties on their rubber mulch products.

• 12-Year Limited Warranty against material defects manufacturing defects.
• 100% satisfaction guarantee – refund if unsatisfied for any reason.
• Free replacement if product fails or deteriorates prematurely.

Warranty terms do stipulate proper installation according to guidelines. But when used appropriately for landscaping purposes, Rubberific proudly stands behind their mulch quality and performance.

You can trust you’re making a sound long-term investment.

Using Rubber Mulch in Creative Landscaping Projects

Beyond just foundation beds and tree rings, rubber mulch offers unique landscaping possibilities:

• Create colorful walkways and pathways that won’t wash away over time.
• Protect areas under play equipment and swing sets with a safe play surface.
• Add a bold border along driveways and sidewalks for crisp definition.
• Contrast against rock gardens and traditional organic mulch beds.
• Build a casual sitting area over patio or turf.
• Use different colors to make fun kids play spaces or hopscotch games.

With the right hobby landscaper imagination, rubber mulch can spruce up any outdoor space in exciting new ways!