Wood vs Rubber Mulch: Which?

[denverian]

Originally Posted by no kudzu

I agree. Rubber looks tacky and even though you say you don't care about the looks go for hardwood so it will decompose into the soil and also let your plants receive rain water.

That's what I like about wood. I add new wood mulch every couple years. I have a neighbor who used rubber a few years ago and eventually, leaves and other stuff gets mixed in and it doesn't look good. With wood, you can just put down a new layer without trying to remove the old mulch, and then it looks great.

[james777]

Originally Posted by StressedOutNYer

What about SweetPeet? I've used that as a mulch in several areas and like it a lot.
Sweet Peet Is The Best Mulch On Earth

It used to have to be bought only bagged but I've seen a few places now in our area that sell it by the yard, just like other mulches.

It's probably pricier than any of the others though. I haven't had to add/renew any in any significant quantities for quite a few years, so I'm not sure.

I highly recommend Sweet Pete; great stuff!! As for rubber mulch, it should have been banned long ago by the EPA. Somebody must be getting paid off.

[jackmichigan]

Only use rubber mulch if you want to contaminate your soil and cause a massive headache for you down the road.

Wood chips will decompose over time, but at least they're organic and will help build up your soil.