* Artillery fungus won't grow in rubber mulch, and you won't run into bug or termite issues either.
Rubber Mulch Is Susceptible to Specific Fungi
For the most part, because it's inorganic and doesn't absorb water, rubber isn't susceptible to molds and fungi ... that is, except for species of brown rot and white rot fungus that attack the mulch's chemical additives.
Rubber mulch is suspected of being toxic to plants, containing high levels of zinc which leaches into the soil, causing chlorosis. It also poses health concerns, as it releases heavy metals, plasticizers, and accelerators into the environment.
Pine bark and cedar mulch are good mulch options that aren't as prone to growing mulch mold and fungus. Another great way to prevent mulch from getting moldy is to regularly rake your mulch.
In comparison to wood or any type of mulch, Rubber Mulch actually does not need that much maintenance. It is actually very durable and virtually effortless to take care of since it is made of recycled tires that can retain its color and integrity even if it is constantly exposed to the elements.
How do I clean rubber mulch? Leaves and small branches can be blown off the surface with careful use of a leaf blower. The coating does not stain or absorb odors from urine. GroundSmart™ Rubber Mulch's color can be freshened with the use of a mild detergent and a power washer on a low setting.
Why am I Seeing Mold in My Mulch? Seeing mold in mulch is very normal. Mold and fungal growths are there to naturally decay the organic material in the mulch and landscaping. Mulch is not only cosmetic, it used to keep moisture in the ground for healthier growth, so some fungal growth is to be expected.
Some people like to use rubber mulch because it doesn't need to be replaced as often as wood chips. Most manufacturers boast that their tire mulch lasts at least 10 years. Clearly, rubber mulch lasts much longer than organic mulches, but there's a tradeoff: Rubber mulch doesn't add organic matter to the soil.
Rubber mulch provides excellent drainage for the soil and supplies great insulation against harsh weather. It also allows a higher degree of heat to be maintained in the soil as well as maintaining its moisture levels. Wood mulch, however, can starve plants.
Rubber mulch does a better job of insulating plants from heat compared to wood chips and other organic materials. In “indoor” gardens like sun-rooms and solariums, it is especially beneficial because it does not break down and emit a rotting smell. It won't attract insects.
They identified Fusarium solani fungal strain on the rubber's surface and held it responsible for the observed weight loss by degradation (Kwiatkowska et al.
Put Down Weed Barrier
Even if you do not have a major weed problem, a weed barrier fabric can help keep your playground and freshly-installed rubber mulch clean and tidy. Pick a high quality weed barrier fabric and make sure you have fabric staples to help you secure it to the soil.
The white stuff is a beneficial fungus that is decaying the organic matter you put into the bed. These fungi, called saprophytic fungi, do not attack plants or cause plant diseases. They feed on dead organic matter, like mulch, compost, soil conditioner, etc. They are critical to soil health.
Vinegar is inexpensive, accessible, and effective in killing microbes, including bacteria and fungus. It can also be used as a safer alternative to bleach for some applications, such as cleaning.
Unless you prefer to remove it for aesthetic purposes, it is ok to leave it as it will dissolve into the soil on its own after a maximum of three weeks. If you do want to remove it, just take a shovel to the moldy areas and throw it away.
Fungal Spores and wood dust from mulch are known health risks to humans. Hazards of mycotoxins and mycotoxigenic fungi are well documented in peer reviewed studies within the US and Internationally. Wood dust has been long established as a carcinogen. There are no mitigation strategies.
Wood chip/bark mulches and composts can be a source for several interesting fungi including artillery fungus, slime molds, bird's nest fungi, stinkhorns and mushrooms. These fungi often raise questions from home gardeners, particularly after rainy weather.
“Dog Vomit Fungus” goes by the scientific name of Fulgio septicai, and is a Slime Mold. It usually occurs in warmer weather and moist conditions. It feeds on decaying organic matter. This is the reason we see it most often in mulched areas, where the mulch is breaking down.
White mold mulch is perfectly normal. It's more likely to form in damp conditions when bacteria feed on the mulch and form fungi. The white fungus is not usually harmful in any way. Unlike many mushrooms, it isn't edible.
When using mulch in your landscape, there is no need for the use of artificial weed barrier such as plastic or landscape fabric. These materials do not work and are not weed barriers. They are only necessary under stone.
That being said, although rubber mulch offers more weed protection than traditional organic mulch, we still recommend laying a fabric roll between the rubber mulch and the soil to ensure no weed growth.
We recommend using a soft bristled outdoor sweeping brush with warm soapy water and just giving the chippings a good scrub – this will not cause the colour to come off. Alternatively if you have a pressure washer then this could be used, but we do strongly recommend only doing so on it's lowest setting.