Rubber Mulch Mats

9 min readJun 14, 2024

Get ready to revolutionize your outdoor landscape with our top picks for Rubber Mulch Mats! In this comprehensive roundup, we will showcase the best products on the market, designed to protect your plants and ensure a safe, comfortable space for you and your family to enjoy.

From durability to aesthetics, we’ve got you covered with our carefully curated selection of Rubber Mulch Mats. Let us help you transform your garden into a haven of beauty and functionality, all while providing long-lasting protection for your plants.

The Top 7 Best Rubber Mulch Mats

NuPlay Earthtone Rubber Mulch Mat: Versatile, Durable, and Sustainable Playground Essential — NuPlay Earthtone Rubber Mulch — Safe, attractive, and long-lasting playground ground cover with a 16-foot fall height rating and 12-year color guarantee.
GroundSmart Mocha Brown Rubber Mulch: Safe, Long-Lasting Playground Groundcover — Choose GroundSmart Rubber Mulch for a beautiful, safe, and long-lasting groundcover, perfect for playgrounds, landscapes, and obstacle courses.
Member’s Mark Eco-Friendly Rubber Mulch Mat — Transcending the limitations of wood mulch, Member’s Mark Black Rubber Mulch not only beautifies your outdoors, but also promotes durability and insect-resistance, making it a splendid choice for landscaping and play areas.
GroundSmart Black Rubber Mulch Mat — Enjoy a safer, more attractive, and long-lasting playground with GroundSmart Black Rubber Mulch 37.5 Cu ft, featuring 2X better fall protection and 100% recycled rubber!
Protective Rubber Tree Ring with Reversible Color Options — Enhance your yard’s visual appeal and protect your trees from weeds and mower damage with Trademark Innovations’ reversible 24-inch rubber mulch rings.
Eco-Friendly Recycled Rubber Mulch Border for Landscaping — Transform your garden with Zyppio’s recycled rubber mulch border, offering customizable protection, breathability, and a natural-looking enhancement.
Three Pack of GroundSmart Red Rubber Tree Mulch Rings — Upgrade your yard’s beauty and functionality with GroundSmart’s 24-inch Red Rubber Tree Mulch Rings — the sustainable and low-maintenance solution that promotes weed suppression, plant health, and a well-maintained look.

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Reviews

NuPlay Earthtone Rubber Mulch Mat: Versatile, Durable, and Sustainable Playground Essential

NuPlay Earthtone Rubber Mulch is my go-to ground cover for various landscaping needs. The loose-fill nuggets are perfect for playgrounds, residential, and commercial landscapes, offering a safe surface with a fall height rating up to 16 feet. I love the vibrant color that holds moisture well, making it an attractive and long-lasting option.

However, the price tag can be a bit hefty, and I’ve noticed some variations in the weight of the bags compared to what’s listed. Overall, I believe this product offers great value and is easy to work with.

GroundSmart Mocha Brown Rubber Mulch: Safe, Long-Lasting Playground Groundcover

Create a stunning and durable landscape with GroundSmart Rubber Mulch. Boasting a sleek, nugget-like texture, this mulch effortlessly transforms your outdoor space into a beautiful work of art. Say goodbye to weather-based mulch disasters; GroundSmart Rubber Mulch stands strong against the elements, never losing its alluring, vibrant color.

The 12-year Color-Lock guarantee ensures your investment will remain looking fantastic year after year, while the safety of the mulch is unquestionable for playgrounds and obstacle courses. The groundcover material is recycled, making this environmentally-friendly option an excellent choice for eco-conscious customers. If you’re seeking a long-lasting, attractive, and safe addition to your garden or playground area, GroundSmart Rubber Mulch is the perfect choice.

Member’s Mark Eco-Friendly Rubber Mulch Mat

Member’s Mark Rubber Mulch is an excellent choice for enhancing your landscapes and play areas, offering both durability and ease of use. Its distinct features include its resistance to termites and insects, making it a perfect option for use near wood structures and house foundations. The mulch arrives in an attractive, black color, which promises to remain vibrant all year round, making your yard the envy of the neighborhood. One bag of this rubber mulch can cover 10 square feet at a depth of 1.5 inches, providing a generous amount for your outdoor projects. Plus, it doesn’t attract termites or other pests, ensuring that your plants remain safe and healthy.

Unfortunately, there are a few drawbacks to this product. Firstly, the rubber mulch can travel and cause dead spots in your lawn if not carefully installed. Additionally, some users have noted that the rubber mulch is sticky and requires breaking apart before use, which can be time-consuming. Finally, the mulch’s appearance is not universally liked, with some consumers favoring more natural-looking options.

In conclusion, Member’s Mark Rubber Mulch is an appealing choice for those looking for a long-lasting and easy-to-install option for their outdoor spaces. The mulch’s resistance to pests and its ability to retain its color year-round are significant advantages. However, potential buyers should consider the product’s potential for causing dead spots in the lawn and its sticky texture, as well as its appearance, before making a purchase.

GroundSmart Black Rubber Mulch Mat

GroundSmart Black Rubber Mulch was a game-changer in my daily life. As someone who constantly dealt with tired old mulch, it was refreshing to switch to this long-lasting, vibrant black rubber nugget. Its durability saved me time and money by requiring less frequent replacements, and its IPEMA certification made it the safest option for my kids and pets in our playground.

One of the most impressive features of this mulch was its resistance to fading, rot, and insect infestations. The rubber was a smart alternative that not only looked great but was also environmentally-friendly. It helped keep scrap rubber out of landfills and, in doing so, contributed to the recycling movement.

While GroundSmart rubber mulch initially had a rough texture which needed a few weeks to settle in, once it did, it provided excellent coverage. The mulch was a perfect addition to our garden and landscape, and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase.

Protective Rubber Tree Ring with Reversible Color Options

A beautiful addition to any yard, these 30-inch Trademark Innovations Reversible Mulch Ring Tree Protectors are crafted to protect your trees while showcasing your style. The 1/2-inch thick rubber mat ensures water and nutrients reach the root system, preventing weeds from taking over.

With a choice of dark brown or reddish colors, you can now have a personal touch to your gardening setup. The 4-inch tree opening and 0.75-inch height make it easy to install and maintain, while also safeguarding your tree from mower damage. Enjoy the perfect combination of visual appeal and functionality, as these tree protectors are made with superior quality by Trademark Innovations.

Eco-Friendly Recycled Rubber Mulch Border for Landscaping

A stunning and natural-looking barrier for your garden, the Black Rubber Mulch Border from Zyppio ensures your plants’ growth while giving that extra edge to your landscaping. Crafted from recycled rubber, this robust and reliable border is a winner for both healthier plants and a more attractive garden space. It’s also customizable, making it the perfect fit for your landscaping and gardening needs.

So, say goodbye to ineffective conventional garden borders and hello to a stylish and environmentally friendly solution.

Three Pack of GroundSmart Red Rubber Tree Mulch Rings

I had the chance to try out the GroundSmart 24-inch Red Rubber Tree Mulch Rings in my garden, and I must say, I was quite impressed! These nifty little rings are made from 100% recycled rubber and designed to improve the appearance of your outdoor space while also providing an effective way to suppress weed growth.

The first thing that caught my eye was how quickly and easily the rings were installed. There was no assembly required, so I simply opened the package and placed them around my trees, and voila — my yard looked instantly neat and tidy! As an added bonus, the rings sit low to the ground, making them blend seamlessly with the rest of the landscape.

One of the features I appreciated the most was the built-in weed fabric that prevents pesky weeds from growing through. Now, instead of constantly tending to my garden, I can spend more time enjoying the great outdoors without worrying about maintaining the pristine look of my yard.

The rubber material of these rings is also great for durability. I’ve had them in my garden for a few months now, and they’re still looking as good as new. Plus, since they’re made from recycled rubber, I feel like I’m doing my part for the environment.

That being said, there was one issue I encountered. One of my tree rings seemed to fit a bit too snugly around the trunk of my tree, which made trimming it to size quite difficult. A pair of garden shears would have been ideal for this task, but since I didn’t have any on hand, I had to use a utility knife instead. This added an extra step to the installation process.

Overall, I’m quite happy with my GroundSmart Tree Mulch Rings. They’re easy to install, attractive, and help keep my garden looking its best. While there are a few things I’d like to see improved, I still think they’re a great investment for any gardener looking for an eco-friendly solution to their landscaping needs.

Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to choosing a rubber mulch mat, there are a few key factors to consider. This buyer’s guide will provide you with valuable information on the most important aspects of rubber mulch mats, helping you make an informed decision.

Material and Durability

A high-quality rubber mulch mat should be made from robust materials that can withstand the elements and provide long-lasting protection. Look for mats made from recycled rubber, which not only reduces waste but also ensures the durability of the product. It is essential to check the mat’s thickness, as thicker mats generally offer better protection against damage from foot traffic and outdoor elements.

Size and Coverage

Consider the dimensions of the rubber mulch mat you need, including its length, width, and overall coverage area. Measure the area where you plan to install the mat to ensure it provides adequate protection for the intended purpose. Some mats may be customizable in size, allowing you to order a specific size for your needs.

Drainage and Water-Resistance

A good rubber mulch mat should offer good drainage and be water-resistant. This feature helps to prevent the mat from becoming waterlogged, which can lead to mildew growth and other issues. Make sure the mat you choose has suitable drainage holes or is designed with an open-weave structure, allowing water to pass through easily.

Ease of Installation and Maintenance

The installation and maintenance of a rubber mulch mat should be simple and straightforward. Choose a mat with clear installation instructions and ensure it is compatible with the surface on which you plan to install it. Additionally, consider the environmental impact of the mat, as rubber mulch mats can be recycled and repurposed once they have reached the end of their life cycle. Make sure the mat you choose is recyclable or has a recycling program in place to ensure its responsible disposal.

FAQ

What’s a Rubber Mulch Mat?

A Rubber Mulch Mat is eco-friendly ground-covering material derived from recycled rubber, designed for low-maintenance surfaces in outdoor settings like playgrounds, gardens, and landscaping projects. These mats provide stability, durability, and excellent environmental friendliness, offering an excellent alternative for traditional mulch and other ground-covering materials.

Rubber Mulch Mats come in various shapes and sizes, including rolls, tiles, and interlocking pieces. Their simplicity and ease of installation make them a great choice for both residential and commercial applications. They are often preferred over other materials, especially in playground areas where safety is paramount.

Why Use a Rubber Mulch Mat?

The benefits of using a Rubber Mulch Mat far outweigh other ground-covering materials. Made from recycled rubber, they are an eco-friendly choice, and many products are certified by organizations such as the Children’s Environmental Health & Protection Agency (CEHPA) and meet ASTM safety standards. These certifications ensure your children’s safety while playing.

Rubber Mulch Mats provide excellent drainage properties, keeping the surface dry while inhibiting the growth of fungus, molds, and bacteria. Their durability and low-maintenance nature mean they last longer than traditional mulch and are resistant to pests, making them a long-lasting and cost-effective solution for outdoor spaces.

Are Rubber Mulch Mats Safe for Kids?

Yes, Rubber Mulch Mats are safe for children. These products meet several safety standards, and many are certified by CEHPA to ensure they’re free of harmful chemicals. Not only are they safe, but their shock-absorbing properties make them a great choice for playground surfaces, reducing the risk of injuries from falls.

How Do You Install a Rubber Mulch Mat?

Installing a Rubber Mulch Mat is a pretty straightforward process. The first step is to ensure the surface is prepared by removing any debris, grass, or weeds. Level the surface and remove any overhangs using tools like a rake or lawnmower. Once prepared, simply roll out the mat, lay down tiles or interlocking sections and apply pressure to secure the connection.

Maintenance of Rubber Mulch Mats

Maintaining a Rubber Mulch Mat is simple. Regular cleaning to remove dirt, debris, and contaminants keeps the surface in top shape. Sweep or hose it down as needed. For spills or stains, use a mild soap and water solution to clean the area, ensuring it’s rinsed thoroughly. Regular inspection for signs of wear and tear is essential to maintain the mat’s longevity and prevent potential hazards.

What Are the Risks of Using a Rubber Mulch Mat?

While Rubber Mulch Mats offer numerous benefits, there are a couple of drawbacks to be aware of. First is the initial cost of installation, which might be more than other ground-covering materials. However, the long-term savings and durability make it a cost-effective choice over time.

The production process might have environmental implications as it can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during production. Fortunately, many manufacturers have taken steps to reduce these emissions, making their products more environmentally friendly.