How deep should my rubber mulch be? 1-2 inches depth is enough rubber mulch for landscaping and gardening needs. American Society for Testing Materials requires a depth of 3-6 inches to meet playground safety standards. This will sufficiently cushion falls from 6-12 feet.
The rule of thumb for how deep playground mulch should be is 8-12 inches, but every playground is different. Depth requirements for protective surfacing vary according to the materials used and the height of the equipment.
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.
This guideline recommends that immediately over the hard surface there should be a 3- to 6-inch base layer of loose-fill (e.g., gravel for drainage). The next layer should be a Geotextile cloth. GroundSmart™ Rubber Mulch should be installed directly over this layer.
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.
Since red accents are particularly popular, that's one of the reasons that red rubber mulch is such a common choice. However, blue and green are also popular choices to go along with the clean white vinyl base of the sets, so green rubber mulch and blue rubber mulch also see frequent use, too.
For gravel drainage, gravel must be installed below the filter fabric directly beneath the rubber mulch.
Unlike wood mulch, rubber mulch used in landscaping doesn't attract termites, carpenter ants or other harmful wood destroying insects so it's the ideal mulch for use around buildings, foundations, and wood structures.
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.
In hot, sunny weather, rubber mulch gives off an odor. Rubber mulch is made from shredded rubber. After a while in the hot sun, it gives off an unpleasant, oily smell. If you've ever driven by a car tire dump, you'll know what we mean.
Rubber mulch doesn't attract animals and will not become burning hot after long exposure to the summer sun. Unlike sand, rubber mulch can also be washed off keeping it clean and free from bacteria. It's virtually maintenance free and will last without compacting for many years of outdoor playground fun.
The best type of geofabric to use on a rubber mulch installation is a thick non-woven fabric. This is the same type that Rubberecycle stocks and has available to order. It feels similar to felt and allows water to permeate through it easily.
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.
Rubber Mulch Is Not Healthy For Your Garden's Health
Rubber mulch isn't a healthy choice. Like everything else, it does break down, and when it does, it leaches a witch's brew of heavy metals and toxic chemicals into the soil and groundwater.
Evenly distribute the rock and soil. It should be around 2 inches deep in all surface areas. Whenever the mulch is part of a playground, make sure to make it 6 inches deep in order to add an extra cushion in order the break children's falls more easily. Walkways or running tracks do not need to be this deep.
There are two ways by which you can clean your rubber mulch, one is to use a leaf blower to clean out leaves or debris from your mulch. But if you are looking for a more thorough clean, we suggest washing your mulch. Sprinkle environment-friendly soap on the mulch covered area and spray with a hose.
If you're wanting pattern design and long-lasting bright colours, wet pour is the best option. If you're wanting a more natural look or a product that can suppress weeds, rubber mulch is the best option. If you need a slip resistant surface that's suitable for nurseries and younger children, wet pour is better.
SOFT LANDING RUBBER MULCH (SLRM)
So soft you can walk barefoot, and unlikely to cause injury if thrown. Rubber mulch makes backyard swingsets much safer because it does not absorb water or freeze like traditional mulch does.
* Rubber lets rain drain through better than compacted wood mulch and doesn't absorb much (if any) of that water. That means more water for plant roots.
In this type of application we do suggest the use of fabric specifically designed to prevent future weeds from invading your yard. Weeds are much less likely to germinate in the rocks and the preferiferral fabric stunts any weeds from growing and penetrating through.
It is not recommended to install rubber mulch over asphalt or concrete, as these surfaces severely compromise safety performance. Chemicals in asphalt also break down the coloring agent on colored rubber mulch. Area should be properly graded according to intended playground level, and firmly compacted.
Our Black rubber mulch is popular due to its durability, affordability, and low maintenance. Made from recycled tires, rubber mulch looks like wood but doesn't rot or get carried away by the wind. It also helps discourage weed growth and lasts up to 10 years without needing to be replaced.
Over time, mulch colors fade due to frequent exposure to sunlight. Regular non-dyed mulch may become a grayish color in one to two months, while dyed brown or black mulches may keep their color for a year or longer.
Our rubber mulch looks like natural, realistic wood mulch and is made from 100% recycled rubber. Rubberific Shredded Rubber Mulch will not fade, rot, compress, or lose its original beauty even after years of exposure to the elements.