When it comes to landscaping and gardening, choosing the right type of mulch is essential for promoting healthy plant growth and maintaining a visually appealing outdoor space.
Whilst many gardeners will veer towards organic mulches like wood chips and straw due to their nutritional benefits provided by decomposition, other gardeners will go the synthetic or inorganic route.
This is because inorganic mulches don’t decay as quickly and require less maintenance.
Two popular inorganic mulch choices are rubber mulch and rock mulch.
Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between the two often depends on the specific needs of your garden, budget, and personal preferences.
In this comprehensive guide, we will compare rubber mulch and rock mulch to help you make an informed decision about which mulch is right for you.
Why Use Rubber Mulch?
Rubber mulch is usually made from recycled tires and can be bought in different-sized nuggets and colors. It is a popular choice for use around playgrounds and athletic fields due to its softness, resiliency, and ability to provide a safe surface.
Rubber mulch is also used in landscaping for its weed-suppressing properties and attractive appearance.
Rubber mulch can be quite heavy and will have a good chance of staying put during windy days. It’ll also not float away during heavy rains.
Hence; you don’t need to replenish rubber mulch as often as organic options.
Why Use Rock Mulch?
Rock mulch, also known as gravel mulch, includes materials such as pea gravel, crushed stone, and pebbles.
It is commonly used in rock gardens, pathways, and driveways for its natural appearance, durability, and weed suppression capabilities.
Rock mulch is available in a wide range of colors, sizes, and textures, allowing you to create a unique aesthetic in your outdoor space.
Similar to rubber mulch, rock mulch is quite heavy and will stay put during winds and rains.
Rubber Mulch vs Rock Mulch Showdown
You can see that both rock and rubber mulch are quite similar in a lot of ways. So which one is best to use for you?
Let’s consider several key categories.
Nutrition
Both rubber mulch and rock mulch offer no nutritional benefits to the garden. After all, they do not decompose. If you decide to use these mulches for a vegetable garden, make sure you supply your plants with nutrients from other sources.
Verdict: Tie
Cost
Rubber mulch tends to be more expensive than rock mulch, with prices ranging from $500-$650 per ton. This is due to the processing and recycling of used tires involved in its production.
In contrast, rock mulch can be sourced from various locations, such as riverbeds and quarries, and costs between $60-$170 per ton.
Both options are considered low-maintenance and long-lasting compared to organic mulching materials.
Both rock and rubber mulch have similar long-term cost prospects. So the biggest difference is the upfront cost. In this regard, rock mulch wins.
Verdict: Rock Mulch
Durability & Lifespan
Both rubber and rock mulches are known for their long-lasting qualities.
Rubber mulch has an average lifespan of 10 years, while rock mulch can last for up to 15 years, depending on the type of rock used.
However, rock mulch may need to be replenished more frequently as it can sink into the ground and be dispersed a little easier than rubber mulch. This is especially the case if you are using smaller rock particles.
Verdict: Rock Mulch (in most cases)
Weed Control
Both rubber and rock mulches are effective in controlling weed growth by preventing weed seeds from germinating.
For optimal results, it is recommended to place rock mulch on top of weed block or landscape fabric, as it can sink into the ground and expose bare soil.
Rubber mulch can be applied directly on top of the soil but may need occasional replenishment to maintain an effective weed barrier.
Verdict: Tie
Soil Temperature
Rock mulch absorbs heat and raises the soil temperature, benefiting heat-loving plants but potentially causing stress for plants that prefer cooler conditions.
Rubber mulch also absorbs heat but does not reflect it onto nearby plants, resulting in a more moderate effect on soil temperature.
Overall, rubber mulch is generally considered a safer choice and won’t affect soil temperature as much as rock mulch.
Verdict: Rubber Mulch
Toxicity
Rock mulch is generally considered nontoxic to plants. However, certain types of stone, such as limestone-derived gravel, can leach minerals into the soil and increase soil alkalinity, potentially harming acid-loving plants.
Rubber mulch has been found to contain toxic compounds, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and heavy metals, which can leach into the soil and harm plants, aquatic organisms, and even humans.
Verdict: Rock Mulch
Flammability
Rock mulch is non-flammable, making it a safer option for areas prone to wildfires. Rubber mulch, on the other hand, is flammable and can pose a fire risk, especially in regions with high fire danger.
If fire safety is a concern, rock mulch is the better choice.
Verdict: Rock Mulch
Color Choices
Rubber mulch is available in various colors, allowing for a uniform and vibrant appearance in your landscape. Rock mulch comes in a wide range of natural stone colors, providing a more organic look that can complement different landscape designs and architectural styles.
Verdict: Depends on what aesthetic you are going for
Benefits of Rubber Mulch
- Provides a soft, safe surface for playgrounds and athletic fields.
- Suppresses weed growth
- Low-maintenance and long-lasting
- Offers a variety of color choices
- Insulates soil, moderating temperature fluctuations
Benefits of Rock Mulch
- Durable and long-lasting
- Effective weed control
- Provides a natural, organic look.
- Suitable for rock gardens, pathways, and driveways
- Non-flammable and non-toxic to most plants
- Anti-fungal properties since rock do not retain moisture (which fungus loves)
So Which Mulch Is Better?
Overall, rock mulch is a better option for your garden or home landscaping. Specifically, rock mulch offers a natural, durable option for rock gardens, pathways, and driveways.
You’ll find that rubber mulch is primarily used for commercial applications and is used in public spaces like playgrounds and sports fields due to the bouncy properties that make it safe to walk and run on.
Having said that, either mulch can be appropriate for your needs as long as you consider the factors we have listed.
FAQ
When To Use Rubber Mulch
Rubber mulch is best suited for areas where safety and injury prevention are priorities, such as playgrounds, athletic fields, and landscapes with frequent foot traffic. Its soft, cushioned surface provides a safer environment for play and reduces the risk of injuries from falls.
When To Use Rock Mulch
Rock mulch is ideal for use in rock gardens, pathways, driveways, and other areas where a natural, organic appearance is desired. Its durability, weed control capabilities, and low-maintenance properties make it a popular choice for many landscaping projects.
Installation & Preparation Tips
When installing rubber mulch, it is recommended to apply a layer of landscape fabric beneath the mulch to prevent weeds from growing through.
If using rock mulch, spread a 2-3 inch layer on top of weed block or landscape fabric for optimal weed control.
Both rubber and rock mulches can be used in combination with organic mulches, such as wood chips or pine straw, for enhanced weed prevention and soil health.