Adding mulch is as close as you can get to a cure-all for trees. Mulch does it all–reduces weeds, retains moisture, maintains soil temperature and looks fresh!

The only question is: what should you use? From wood chips to rubber mulch rings, there are lots of options out there.

Keep reading to see if rubber mulch rings are good for your trees.

Why You Should Skip That Rubber Mulch Ring Around Trees

What are rubber mulch rings?

Rubber mulch rings are made from ground up and recycled tires for tree beds. They’re an alternative to natural mulch. Most often, people like their clean, attractive lookand how easy they are to apply. 

Are tree rings bad for trees?

While rubber mulch rings are easy to install and last for years, the bottom line is they’re not the best for trees.

Rubber mulch rings are less effective than natural mulch and can possibly hurt your tree. As the rubber breaks down over time, the rubber adds toxic contaminants into the soil. Research shows the rings can slow tree growth, turn tree leaves yellow and increase tree mortality.

Also, if you live in an area prone to wildfires, you absolutely want to avoid rubber mulch. It’s the mulch that's most likely to ignite and difficult to extinguish, according to Ohio State University research.

What should I use instead of rubber mulch rings around trees?

Any natural mulch, be it compost or shredded wood chip mulch, is the best way to give trees all the benefits of a covered bed.

Organic mulch improves the soil as it decomposes, controls weeds and reduces water evaporation.

Here’s the proper way to mulch your trees with organic mulch.

Related Blog Posts

Cedar Mulch
Soil Care & Mulching

Guide to Mulching: Is Cedar or Cypress Mulch Better?

One of the best things you can do to boost tree health is to create mulch rings around them. Outlined are the pros and cons of using cedar or cypress mulch.
Read More
Rubber Mulch Rings Good Or Bad For Trees Davey Tree
Soil Care & Mulching

Are Rubber Mulch Rings Good or Bad for Trees?

Are tree rings bad or good to place around trees? Here’s why you should go for organic mulch instead! Research shows rubber mulch can slow tree growth, turn tree leaves yellow and increase tree mortality.
Read More
Tree
Tree

Sign Up For Free Tree & Landscaping Tips! 

Subscribe to the "The Sapling," the Davey Blog's email newsletter, for the latest tips to keep your outdoor space in tip-top shape throughout the year.

Plus, receive a free instant download of our landscape seasonal checklists when you sign up!

Image 22@2X
Image 22@2X

Request A Free Consultation

Let's Find What
You're Looking For!