Rubber Mulch in Rose Gardens: Pros, Cons, and Better Alternatives for Weed Control

Types

• Rubberific Mulch (St. Louis): Color-guaranteed 10 yrs, claims no steel.
• Others: Steel belts rust in 6 months (still sharp until then).

Pros

• Long-lasting, colorfast.
• Slugs hate it.
• Good for commercial/highway plantings.

Cons for Home Gardens

• Partial weed barrier only — needs landscape fabric underneath.
• Fire hazard: Ignites instantly (tires). Wood smolders first.
• Debris cleanup nightmare: Leaves, petals, twigs don't decompose; must be manually removed.
• Heat damage: Black rubber in full sun burns tender new canes.
• Soil biology: Microbes/worms don't eat rubber — no nutrient cycling.

Morning Glory Control

Disturb roots constantly. At full flower, spray Roundup. Repeat in fall before freeze. Persistence wins.