Rubber vs. Natural Mulch

Over the years one of the most common questions we get from homeowners is “What type of mulch is best for our flower beds?”

While there are many options for ground covers, for example tree bark, wood chips, ground cover plants, rock mulch, etc, this will discuss the difference between rubber mulch and natural hardwood mulch. Natural mulch is anything organic or naturally derived from the earth. This can include wood chips, wood bark, stone, straw, etc.  Rubber mulch is manufactured out of recycled tires, sometimes dyed and come in shredded chunks.

The benefit of rubber mulch is that is last longer than an organic wood mulch. This means homeowners have to replace it less often, resulting in less upkeep. When considering effectiveness, the rubber mulch works about the same as hardwood mulches in helping control weeds. The thicker, the better is rule of thumb.

The negative aspects of rubber mulch address the main issue, soil health. While rubber mulch may be able to provide an adequate groundcover it can leach toxic chemicals into the soil causing harm to your plants, soil, and ground water.

Natural Hardwood Mulch adds nutrients and food to the soil over time as it decays creating a slow-release feeder. This increases the soil health, regulates soil temperature, and helps hold in moisture. We encourage our customers to not use landscape fabric (unless using gravel mulch) as it is ideal for the mulch to decompose adding nutrients to the soil.

We stock a variety of wood mulches, including IPEMA Certified Playground Mulch and Natural Grade A Cedar Mulch. All mulches are manufactured to the highest quality and delivered in bulk throughout the OKC Metro area. For more information give us a call/text/DM/email.

Low Maintenance Landscaping ideas in Oklahoma

This summer was a scorcher with record breaking high temperatures throughout the state and with each summer seemingly drier than the last it is more important than ever to incorporate a low maintenance eco-friendly landscape.

Oklahoma City weather, what grows here?

The answer is drought tolerant plants that are native to Oklahoma. You will need plants with long and deep root systems that tap into deeper moisture resources. The plants are naturally designed to handle Oklahoma’s dry hot summers. Arkansas Bluestar, Daylilies, Milkweed, Autumn Sage, Red-Hot Poker, Ornamental & Native Trees, and Shrubs are popular heat and drought resistant plants that adapt well to the soil they are planted in.

Mulch! Stone or Hardwood - Which is better for Oklahoma?

Mulching benefits go far past the aesthetics. A ground barrier separating the plants root system from the harsh summer heat and winter freezes is crucial for the success of any plant. Not only does a layer of Stone Mulch or Hardwood Mulch prevent weeds, it also regulates the moisture and soil temperature. Mr. Mulch offers a variety of Decorative Stone and Hardwood Mulch, something for every design.

Cedar Mulch, our Top Selling Wood Mulch, adds a dramatic impact and aroma. This product is made from local cedar, dried and shredded to a fine texture for landscaping. Cedar decays slower than hardwood mulch & its shredded texture causes it to mat together. This blocks the sun to existing weeds, prevents germination of new weeds, and is not easily washed away by rain. Cedar's aromatic quality naturally repels insects.

Looking for something that lasts a little longer? Consider Decorative River Rock. This beautiful stone is locally mined out of the Canadian River and comes in a variety of sizes. River Rock is a natural rounded stone with distinctive smoothness and colors. Centuries of moving waters and shifting streambeds created this beautiful stone. River rocks have many common applications, including landscaping & decorative ground covering, construction material for wall facades and walkways and for use in interior design projects.

Order Mulch online in Oklahoma

It’s easy! Give us a call or text at 405-343-0258 Monday - Friday or Request a Delivery online at GoMrMulch.

HOA Playground Mulch, what board members need to know

Many associations have various amenities they offer to their members and the most common amenity a HOA will provide is a playground for children. There are different types of playground equipment to choose from, and whether you are installing new equipment or maintaining existing equipment, there are many different things for an HOA board to consider.

Your playground must be built and maintained up to certain standards

Depending on the height of the equipment, an IPEMA certified fall material may be required. All swings and any structure over the height of 48” will require a depth of at least 10 inches of loose fall material ground cover. The playground must also be ADA compliant, like having access ramps and entrances maintained and accessible.

IPEMA certified and ADA compliant fall material required for HOA

Homeowner Associations have the same requirements as schools, churches, and childcare facilities for their playgrounds. The most economical and commonly used fall material ground cover for these areas is the Kiln dried Hardwood Playground Mulch. This engineered wood fiber meets or exceeds the impact-absorbing requirements of ASTM 1292 and ASTM F2075 as required by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. It is made from ‘virgin’ lumber meaning that the feedstock has not been subjected to chemicals, coatings, glues, or lamination. Dust and dirt are removed leaving a clean blend of cured lumber material.

Maintaining a HOA Playground

Annual maintenance is required due to wear and weather damage. In addition to inspecting the equipment, an annual refresher of the surface is usually required. Between the kids using it and weather, a playground usually loses 20% of its surface depth annually.

Order Mulch for HOA Playground

Ordering IPEMA Certified Playground Mulch in Oklahoma City, Moore, Norman and surrounding areas is easy with Mr. Mulch. However, due to the high production standards of this product and demand be sure to check ahead for availability. It is not uncommon for us to get a few weeks backed up during peak season.

Grade A Red Cedar Mulch

Looking for Cedar Mulch near me? We have it! Mr. Mulch Cedar Mulch is produced from local cedar, dried and shredded to a fine texture for landscaping. Cedar decays slower than hardwood mulch & its shredded texture causes it to mat together.

These natural elements help block the sun to existing weeds, prevents germination of new weeds, and is not easily washed away by rain. Also, Cedars natural aromic quality naturally repels insects!

Materials are available in 3 different size dump truck loads delivered in the South OKC Metro, Moore, and Norman. Additional delivery fees may be added to rural addresses.