Rubber mulch costs more than wood, but it also lasts longer.

Rubber mulch costs more than wood, but it also lasts longer.
By REBECCA SLOAN
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
Wouldn't it be great if you only had to mulch your flowerbeds every 10 years?
This dream has become a reality for gardeners who've discovered rubber mulch made from recycled tires.
Once used strictly as a ground cover in children's play areas, rubber mulch is becoming more and more popular as a residential landscaping material.
Playground beginnings
"Rubber mulch was first used on playgrounds because it is softer than other mulches and therefore safer for children in case of a fall, but there's definitely a growing demand for it in residential landscaping," said Eric Senders, chief operating officer of Groundscape, a Brooklyn Heights, Ohio, company that manufactures Groundscape rubber mulch.
"Once people are aware of the benefits of rubber mulch, they want to use it in their flowerbeds."
And with good reason.
Groundscape rubber mulch doesn't fade or wash away, doesn't attract pests or insects, doesn't promote mildew, doesn't freeze or decompose, doesn't absorb pesticides, is non-flammable and is safe for children and pets.
Natural insulator
"It's also a natural insulator and will keep the ground warmer in winter and cooler in summer, and it's great for the environment. Millions of tires are recycled to make this product," Senders added.
Of course, rubber mulch does cost more - typically three to four times more than bark mulch.
"That price doesn't seem as high when you consider that you only have to replace it every 10 years," Senders said.
Bockelman's Landscaping and Garden Center in Cortland is the only area gardening company that carries Groundscape rubber mulch.
Worth the cost
Sheri Bockelman said it sells for about $15 a bag and comes in brown and red.
"When you look at it, you can't really tell the difference between the rubber mulch and bark mulch," Bockelman said.
"At first, people are always surprised that it's not wood."
When applying rubber mulch, Bockelman recommends removing existing bark mulch first and putting down a layer of landscaping fabric.
"Then just open the bag of rubber mulch, spread it around and you'll be good to go for about 10 years," she said.
XFor more information about Groundscape rubber mulch visit www.groundscapelandscape.com.