Rubber Mulch Vs Wood: Which Is Better? Flame Test, Pros/Cons

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  • Опубліковано 15 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 75

  • @jeffostroff
    @jeffostroff  3 роки тому +1

    Home Depot & Amazon (paid affiliate links) mentioned in this video:
    🛒 Vigoro 0.8 cu. ft. Cedar Red Bagged Rubber Mulch: homedepot.sjv.io/RBKvN
    🛒 Earthgro 1.5 cu. ft. Brown Mulch: homedepot.sjv.io/NK94aP
    🛒 Earthgro 1.5 cu. ft. Red Mulch homedepot.sjv.io/MXAyeY
    🛒 Earthgro 1.5 cu. ft. Black Mulch: homedepot.sjv.io/7maogV
    🛒 2 cu. ft. Cypress Mulch Blend: homedepot.sjv.io/qnzZdq
    🛒 2 cu. ft. Pine Bark Nuggets: homedepot.sjv.io/QOj419
    Note: Some of the links we send you to are affiliate links which which if you click on them and buy something, we may receive a small affiliate commission. We appreciate you supporting our efforts to continue to bring you world class tool reviews, remodeling and repair videos, and shop with me videos looking for the best discount tool deals.

  • @skyangelthefan
    @skyangelthefan 4 місяці тому

    I use rubber mulch and I 💜 it!

  • @onnicaestelle324
    @onnicaestelle324 Рік тому +1

    Team Rubber!
    Thank you!

  • @rainbowbubbleful
    @rainbowbubbleful Рік тому +3

    I have rubber mulch . I love it . I don’t have any weeds or bugs . The lizards love to crawl around it .i first used shredded but it blew out more with a small leaf blower so I dumped the nuggets on top . I used a shop vac to blow out the dried leaves and it doesn’t blow out my runner milch

    • @lisatutler-jones5992
      @lisatutler-jones5992 10 місяців тому

      I'm considering it because of the bugs. I hope it helps.

  • @arthurl5738
    @arthurl5738 2 місяці тому

    It appears my comments about rubber mulch have been removed. No honest conversation involved

  • @Silverdragon517
    @Silverdragon517 3 роки тому

    Great video , Always wondered about these questions

  • @nene1066
    @nene1066 8 місяців тому

    Is placing rubber mulch on the driveway dangerous during g 4th if July due to fireworks, probability of catching fire?

  • @matthewpeters85
    @matthewpeters85 3 роки тому +4

    Great content Jeff! This is a great subject to cover and one that I know a little bit about. I’ve spend a little time in the recycling business. Kind of grew up in it.
    Growing up (15 years ago) from the time I was 10 to about 23, my dad had a small business recycling tires. It wasn’t a big operation, but there were a few years we handled around 100,000 tires. Most of these tires went to a facility that ground them up into mulch or even finer products to be remolded into other products.
    Also, right about the time my dad was giving up the waste tire business, I went to work for a family friend who had a wood recycling company that needed somebody to run the day-day operation. I ran that place for a little over 4 years before I passed the torch to move on in my own endeavors. At least half of the wood that came in went right into the grinder to make landscaping mulch or sent to another place that would process it even farther to make wood pellets for burning.
    I would like to make 1 thing perfectly clear. There is NO deforestation going on to make landscaping mulch! All wood materials used to make these products are used products that are recycled or scraps and/or leftovers that would otherwise be complete waste. But nobody is cutting down trees to make landscaping mulch! I just wanted to clarify that!
    In fact, most of the wood for generic dyed mulch is recycled packing material. Boxes, crates, pallets, etc. it could be any kind of wood. With the amount of stuff that comes from Asian countries, it’s probably not even any type of wood that is even found in this country lol.
    As far as chemicals and soil contaminants, there’s probably more in the generic wood mulch than from the rubber mulch. Glues, inks, paint, grease, foreign substances that got on the wood etc etc. the rubber is just from tires generally and they are generally pretty clean. Maybe even rinsed several times in processing.
    Every material has it’s own pros and cons.
    Wood rots! But that fault is also a feature. If you get it out in the yard and such, it’ll just rot away and turn to soil. Rubber never goes away. It doesn’t rot and it’s less dense than soil, so it doesn’t sink away like rocks will eventually.
    Mulch is a great use for old rubber and it’s a great playground material, but man is it messy! It seems to end up everywhere and it doesn’t go away. If you don’t have kids and you’re putting it in an area that doesn’t see foot traffic, it’s great. Not that wood mulch isn’t just as messy in the same ways with the same variables, but it rots away, so it’s a temporary issue.
    I’d be happy to answer any questions you have. I’m no expert, but I know more than the average guy about this subject.
    Just know that there is NO deforestation going on to make landscaping mulch!
    I can’t help but chuckle at those comments/statements a little bit, I’m sorry. I’m not laughing at you, just the thought of it.
    The simple economics of it don’t work out like that. The guy making the mulch has to get payed on both ends for it to pencil out. There’s a lot of variables. I will explain further for anyone that’s interested but I think I’ve went on long enough for one comment.
    Just know that there is NO deforestation going on to make landscaping mulch!!!

    • @jeffostroff
      @jeffostroff  3 роки тому +1

      Awesome, thanks for sharing Matthew

    • @frankarango4071
      @frankarango4071 3 роки тому

      Besides being messy, is there any other downside to rubber mulch? I have an area (as you described) that doesn't see foot traffic and I'm just tired of replacing wood mulch twice a year. Because there's no traffic I don't think it would be messy in my application as I have a good border as well. Thinking hard on putting rubber mulch, appreciate your comment.

    • @matthewpeters85
      @matthewpeters85 3 роки тому

      @@frankarango4071 only other down side is the fact that it doesn’t rot away. It’ll always be there. It works for you now, against you later.

    • @leahrowe847
      @leahrowe847 2 роки тому

      @@matthewpeters85 I put rubber mulch in a flower bed with nothing else but weed liner, 2 yrs later I have 1/2 or less volume, as my rubber mulch has shrank into tiny pellets... is that normal, or has anyone else ever seen this?
      I know the area I placed it is under full sun & hot for 3/4 of the day, so maybe that's a factor 🤷🏼‍♀️

    • @matthewpeters85
      @matthewpeters85 2 роки тому

      @@leahrowe847 what you’re seeing is normal in full sun. It’s called dry rot. In full sun It’ll keep breaking up into smaller and smaller peices until it’s dust size particles. Keep in mind, it’s not becomes less material, just less volume. The smaller peices just pack together tighter. It will never become dirt like wood mulch does eventually. The smaller the peices get the easier it’s carried off. Either by wind and water, or by the bottom of people and animals feet.

  • @MSU_BullDAWGz
    @MSU_BullDAWGz 4 місяці тому

    your incorrect about the termite and ant problem, some ( not all ) wood mulches may be home/ used as a food source for termites or carpenter ants but not all of the wood types. Some actually are natural deterrents to bugs....

  • @puakela
    @puakela 3 роки тому +2

    I have been debating on new ground cover since the mulch we had was attracting so many bugs. Will definitely give rubber a try! Love this channel!! It has been so helpful while we are taking on our first renovation

    • @jeffostroff
      @jeffostroff  3 роки тому

      Go for it! Thanks for watching our channel!

    • @FoxRivers778
      @FoxRivers778 2 роки тому

      I believe you will like the rubber. I sure did when I put it in a bed several years ago and it really helped keep the weeds away and I didn't have to replenish it like wood.

    • @lisatutler-jones5992
      @lisatutler-jones5992 10 місяців тому

      Did it help with the bugs?

  • @jeffgangloff4642
    @jeffgangloff4642 2 роки тому +2

    I just laid rubber mulch and it smells. Does the smell fade after time?

    • @jeffostroff
      @jeffostroff  2 роки тому +2

      Yes usually within a few days you don't smell the rubber at all anymore

  • @nene1066
    @nene1066 8 місяців тому

    Im laying brown rubber mulch on an open are all by itself. Just to cover the dirt. But im worried if its flammable, say during fireworks season. Neighbors throw alot of fireworks and the debris land on my yard.

  • @chucknorris1920
    @chucknorris1920 3 роки тому +2

    Does the rubber smell much in the heat all day?

    • @whiskers78753
      @whiskers78753 3 роки тому +2

      From my experience no. It does smell a little when it's in the bag, but once you apply it you can't smell it.

  • @mikea3552
    @mikea3552 3 роки тому +5

    This confirms what I said all along - rubber mulch all the way! Here in the Northeast, after the winter season, I used to dig up the wood mulch before adding a fresh base, and there would be white mold among the old wood mulch during the removal process. Not only that, but I had nest upon nest of triple bodied black ants among the wood mulch that lined the base of the pool. Ever since I converted to rubber mulch, those issues are non-existent, the color lasts for 12-years at a time, and no need to add more year after year. Cheers!

    • @jeffostroff
      @jeffostroff  3 роки тому +1

      Thanks for the info Mike!

    • @leahrowe847
      @leahrowe847 2 роки тому

      How long have you had your rubber mulch?
      Any issues with shrinkage?

    • @mikea3552
      @mikea3552 2 роки тому

      @@leahrowe847 2 years so far. There won't be any shrinkage because the rubber is like that of rubber tires. They will hold their form forever. Just like car tires won't shrink over the years, these rubber pieces act the same way

  • @annjoyce9489
    @annjoyce9489 2 роки тому +1

    The landscape area in my front yard gets full sun, 6+ hrs./day in Fort Smith, AR. In this situation, would rubber mulch be a good idea? I've been reading a lot about areas with hot summers and the possibility of volatile organic compounds and heavy metal being leached into the soil.

    • @jeffostroff
      @jeffostroff  2 роки тому +3

      I have walked on it in the summer in bare feet and have no problem. Experiment with one bag see how you like it.

  • @lilylily9012
    @lilylily9012 Рік тому

    What about the chemicals in rubber mulch?

    • @jeffostroff
      @jeffostroff  Рік тому

      There are chemicals in them but it's not like we're dumping mass amounts of it like the love canal the actual toxic chemicals are so miniscule it's not like it's going to seep all the way down into the water supply

  • @Canadianalways
    @Canadianalways 2 роки тому +1

    If you spray the rubber mulch to control weeds does it ruin the colour?

    • @jeffostroff
      @jeffostroff  2 роки тому +1

      I have found that virtually nothing will cause the color to fade even after 10 years ourmulch is still the same color

  • @Siva-pq1bb
    @Siva-pq1bb 3 роки тому +1

    Just wonder if I can put landscaping fabrics then mulch on top, does this STOP weed growth

    • @jeffostroff
      @jeffostroff  3 роки тому

      It helps a little, but most weeds in our area just grow from within the mulch, with no soil

    • @Curt49
      @Curt49 3 роки тому

      The biggest problem is when dirt blows on TOP of the area -- then it is sitting on top of the fabric within the mulch, where light gets to it and creates a home for weed growth. You can't really stop the wind from blowing in some dirt over time.

  • @zachrosaaen6394
    @zachrosaaen6394 3 роки тому

    did you put landscape fabric under the rubber mulch ??

    • @jeffostroff
      @jeffostroff  3 роки тому

      no I did not

    • @zachrosaaen6394
      @zachrosaaen6394 3 роки тому

      @@jeffostroff is there any benefit to put fabric underneath or not?

    • @raskew2
      @raskew2 3 роки тому +1

      I placed two layers of weed blocker 15 years ago and still have no weeds and the rubber mulch is longer lasting

    • @leahrowe847
      @leahrowe847 2 роки тому

      @@raskew2 any shrinkage in your mulch?

  • @silvia3140
    @silvia3140 2 роки тому +1

    I actually go with both mulch. I have a brick house with siding and live in the south near the bay. We are proned to termites so I lay my black garden material down, put cedar mulch 2-3 inches from the house. I rather have the rubber mulch touching the house sides than the wood mulch. My main landscape (front of house), I layed rubber mulch all over for aesthetic reasons. This method is not cost effective but seems to work with retaining water. The only pain is that I have tons of leaves on the rubber mulch and getting it cleaned is annoying.

    • @jeffostroff
      @jeffostroff  2 роки тому +1

      I blow them off when they dry

  • @elvishuynh3501
    @elvishuynh3501 3 роки тому +1

    Going rubber with playset for the extra safety from falls! Hope it doesn't get too hot for the kids.

    • @jeffostroff
      @jeffostroff  3 роки тому

      I find it is not a lot hotter than wood

  • @pughconsulting
    @pughconsulting 3 роки тому +3

    Still buying pure Cypress. I did see Eucalyptus for decent pricing not too long ago, which I think is the future of wood mulch (for me) since it's quick growing and fairly useless for much else. For $2 a bag, Cypress is still my favorite. No dye! I thought your video was fair though and has good information.

  • @itzNickyJayBeats
    @itzNickyJayBeats 3 роки тому +1

    Is the lumber craze raising the price of wood mulch as well? 🤔

    • @jeffostroff
      @jeffostroff  3 роки тому

      Yes, plus there were shortages, but pent up demand for remodeling, building fences, etc.

  • @valeriek5020
    @valeriek5020 2 роки тому

    I switched to shredded black rubber mulch...............this stuff is fantastic and looks so much better that the wood mulch.............will never go back. More expensive but well worth it.

    • @jeffostroff
      @jeffostroff  2 роки тому

      I still have mostly my red rubber mulch from 2009, and still looks the same

  • @gsazdm2141
    @gsazdm2141 2 роки тому +1

    How long have you used the rubber mulch and has it killed any of your plants??

    • @jeffostroff
      @jeffostroff  2 роки тому +1

      It has not killed my plants, I have had a garden bed full of rubber mulch since 2009

    • @leahrowe847
      @leahrowe847 2 роки тому

      @@jeffostroff does it have any shrinkage?

  • @sergioserrato1854
    @sergioserrato1854 3 роки тому +2

    Heeellloooo Jeff.

  • @heathen_7
    @heathen_7 3 роки тому +2

    I’ve been around the block with wood mulch, all cons are true. I’m going with black rubber mulch at the new Florida house. Mounding, rain wash out, bugs, color fades fast, and have to redo it within the year. Bye wood mulch

    • @jeffostroff
      @jeffostroff  3 роки тому

      Yes, I could never figure out why the dye they use on the rubber mulch isn't used on the wood mulch

  • @ggcookshealthymeals
    @ggcookshealthymeals 3 роки тому +1

    Be sure to like this video. !!!

  • @e_skie2685
    @e_skie2685 2 роки тому +1

    Lol I think you missed a con for rubber mulch. Don't use it if your on well water, same reason you said for plants.

  • @Danae42
    @Danae42 2 роки тому +1

    Oh! So you've wizened up about rubber mulch!

    • @jeffostroff
      @jeffostroff  2 роки тому

      This does not mean that I have wise end up about the rubber mulch I still use the rubber mulch but I do ignore or is that it's more flammable than then the other mulches. Keep in mind any wood mulch will burn but if you live in one of those areas near You're the wildfires then you should not be using any type of mulch you should be using the lava rocks