Why Rubber Mulch Is a Bad Idea in New England

A homeowner asks if rubber mulch with shrubs works for landscaping in New England.

Ecological Verdict: Avoid It

Rubber mulch leaches zinc, PAHs, and other toxins into soil, harms beneficial microbes, and never decomposes to build soil health. It's a petroleum product, not a landscape amendment.

Better Alternatives

• Pine bark mulch: Long-lasting, acidic (good for many shrubs), builds organic matter.
• Shredded leaves or straw: Free, excellent soil builders.
• Arborist wood chips: Often free, diverse particle sizes resist compaction.

Any organic mulch outperforms rubber ecologically and horticulturally.

— Jonathan, Ecologica Gardens