Shredded Rubber Mulch in Your Garden: Is it any good?

By Liam Jennings

Gardeners have experimented with various mulching materials over the years. Each offers its own set of benefits and drawbacks, with most eventually breaking down, fading, or blending into the soil. However, when rubber mulch—made from recycled tires—entered the market, it promised a long-lasting, low-maintenance solution that wouldn’t require reapplication over time. But like any product, shredded rubber mulch comes with both pros and cons.

What is Shredded Rubber Mulch?

Shredded rubber mulch is primarily made from recycled tires and comes in several forms, including crumbs, shreds, nuggets, and sheets. It’s widely used in areas like playgrounds, roadways, and running tracks due to its durability. When compared to traditional mulches, rubber mulch tends to be more expensive upfront but boasts a significantly longer lifespan, potentially saving money in the long run.

The Benefits of Rubber Mulch

1. Long-lasting Durability: One of the main advantages of rubber mulch is its longevity. Unlike organic materials, it does not decompose or break down over time, meaning it essentially remains in your garden indefinitely. Provided it’s not affected by extreme conditions like flooding or heavy erosion, rubber mulch will stay in place with little need for maintenance.

2. Moisture Conservation: Rubber mulch acts as a barrier that helps conserve soil moisture. Rain and snow can still penetrate the mulch and reach the soil, but the rubber prevents it from evaporating too quickly. This helps maintain moisture in the soil for longer, especially in hot or dry climates.

3. Colour Retention: Rubber mulch is available in a variety of colours, which tend to hold up well over time. Unlike organic mulches that may fade after a season or two due to sun and rain exposure, rubber mulch maintains its colour for years, providing a long-lasting, uniform appearance.

4. Environmentally Friendly Recycling: Since rubber mulch is made from recycled tires, it helps repurpose waste that would otherwise end up in landfills or oceans. It provides a practical and sustainable way to create a useful product out of discarded materials.

5. Effective Weed Barrier: When applied thickly, rubber mulch can be an excellent barrier against weeds. Due to its lack of pores and ability to retain little moisture, weeds struggle to take root. Seeds may start to germinate, but they typically die off quickly due to the absence of moisture.

6. Easy to Transport: Unlike heavier options like rocks or pebbles, rubber mulch is dense but relatively lightweight, making it easier to transport in large quantities.

The Downsides of Rubber Mulch

1. No Benefit to Soil Health: One of the biggest drawbacks of rubber mulch is that it does not enhance soil health. While organic mulches decompose over time, adding valuable nutrients and organic matter to the soil, rubber mulch is completely inert. It doesn’t break down, meaning your soil doesn’t get the same nutrient boost that organic mulches provide.

2. Heat Retention: Rubber mulch is known to absorb and retain heat, which can become problematic in certain climates. On hot, sunny days, it can trap heat, which may damage delicate plants and even burn the paws of animals walking on it. In extreme conditions, rubber mulch has even been known to combust, releasing harmful toxins into the atmosphere and the surrounding soil.

3. Difficult to Remove: Once you’ve decided to use rubber mulch, it can be difficult to get rid of if you ever change your mind. Unlike organic mulch that breaks down and becomes part of the soil, rubber mulch remains intact. Removing every last piece can be a tedious task, and disposing of it in bulk requires finding a proper recycling or disposal facility.

The Verdict

Rubber mulch has its place in certain landscapes, particularly in areas where little to no planting occurs, such as pathways, playgrounds, or non-vegetated spaces. Its durability, weed suppression, and moisture retention make it appealing for these uses. However, for traditional garden beds or areas where soil health and plant growth are priorities, rubber mulch may not be the best option.

While it may seem convenient, the long-term consequences of using rubber mulch in a garden should not be overlooked. Its inability to improve soil quality, potential to overheat, and difficulty in removal are significant drawbacks that need careful consideration. Before deciding to incorporate shredded rubber mulch into your garden, weigh the pros and cons thoroughly to ensure it’s the right choice for your space.

The latest edition of The Northern Rivers Times (Edition 222) delivers a wealth of stories highlighting key developments and community events across the region:

• Grafton Cathedral Restoration Nearing Completion: A significant $850,000 restoration project on Grafton’s historic cathedral is almost finished, preserving the town’s heritage for future generations.
• Grafton Shopping World to Receive a Fresh New Look: A revitalization of Grafton’s main shopping precinct is on the horizon, bringing a modern upgrade to the beloved retail centre.
• Career Opportunities in the Meat Industry: Casino Food Co-op promotes career pathways in the meat industry, encouraging locals to consider opportunities in this growing sector.
• Northern Rivers Health Workers Recognized: Local health professionals are in the spotlight as they become finalists for prestigious awards, acknowledging their dedication and service.
• New and Familiar Faces in Northern Rivers Councils: Recent council elections have brought a mix of both new and returning councillors across the region, shaping the future of local governance.
• Celebrating Young Athletes: Federal MP Kevin Hogan shines a light on the region’s young sportspeople, commending their dedication and achievements.
• Breast Screening Overdue for 40% of Women in Northern NSW: A significant number of women in the region are overdue for vital breast screenings, raising concerns for health advocates.
• Tweed Trials New Container Deposit and Collection Scheme: A new initiative to trial container deposit systems in popular parks within Tweed aims to enhance recycling and reduce litter.
• Mental Health Struggles Revealed: Beyond Blue’s new data highlights the challenges many Australians face, with people waiting years before seeking mental health support.
• NSW Trout Season Opens: Fishing enthusiasts gear up for the start of the NSW trout season, kicking off on Saturday, October 5.
• Restored Hannah Cabinet Returns to Lismore: The intricate and historic Hannah Cabinet makes its way back to Lismore after careful restoration, where it will again be on display.
• New Principals Appointed in Murwillumbah Schools: As part of the return to four distinct schools in Murwillumbah, new leadership has been appointed to guide these educational institutions.
• Makers Hub Workshop Announcement: An upcoming workshop at the Makers Hub promises hands-on learning and creative experiences for local artisans.
• Living Memory: North Lismore Stories: A special collection of stories and portraits will celebrate the history and culture of North Lismore, highlighting the strength of its community.
• Warning Over High-Dose MDMA Tablets: Authorities issue a caution regarding dangerous high-dose MDMA (ecstasy) circulating in NSW.
• Byron Bay Welcomes Australia’s First Hydrothermal Wellness Bathhouse: In a wellness tourism milestone, Byron Bay will host the country’s first medical-grade hydrothermal bathhouse, opening in October.
• Lismore Regional Gallery Reopens: Following extensive restorations, the Lismore Regional Gallery is now open to the public, offering a rejuvenated space for the arts.
• Laith McGregor Wins 2024 Jacaranda Drawing Award: Acclaimed artist Laith McGregor takes home the coveted Jacaranda Acquisitive Drawing Award for 2024, celebrating excellence in the arts.
• NSW Government Simplifies Cemetery and Crematorium Regulations: Red tape has been cut, making it easier for cemeteries and crematoriums in NSW to operate more efficiently.
• Pay Parking Commences in Brunswick Heads: Visitors to Brunswick Heads will now face pay parking regulations, a new policy designed to manage traffic and parking demand.
• “Grounded” Exhibition Showcases Bundjalung Cultural Knowledge: A new art exhibition titled GROUNDED celebrates Bundjalung cultural heritage and creative well-being.
• New Team of Councillors for Tweed: The Tweed Shire confirms its new team of councillors, ready to lead the region into the future.
• Tweed Regional Museum Wins Top Prize for “Supertunic” Exhibition: The Tweed Regional Museum takes home a prestigious award for its groundbreaking exhibition “Supertunic,” showcasing creative excellence and community engagement.

This edition captures a vibrant mix of community milestones, health initiatives, cultural celebrations, and local governance updates across Northern Rivers.

New principals appointed as return to four separate Murwillumbah schools progresses

By Robert Heyward

The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its election promise to return to four separate public schools for the Murwillumbah community after the Liberals’ and Nationals’ failed mega-merger was rejected by locals, teachers and the school community.

Work to return to two separate high schools, Wollumbin High School and Murwillumbah High School, is progressing well, with two new principals appointed to ensure the re-establishment of separate schools creates a positive student experience.

Wollumbin High School and Murwillumbah High School will resume operations separately from Day 1, Term 1 2025, in line with a commitment from the Minns Labor Government in 2023. The timeline and works to support the return to separate schools came after consultation with more than 260 students, staff, parents and carers.

Zoe Tiernan has taken up the position of principal at Murwillumbah High School, having previously been the Deputy Principal Instructional Leader across all three campuses of The Rivers Secondary College in Lismore.

Former Wollumbin Deputy Principal Kelly Spilstead is excited to be returning to the area as Wollumbin High School Principal after a stint as Relieving Principal at Mullumbimby High School.

School student leaders have been appointed and are ready to take up their roles leading house groups at the two schools – five at Wollumbin High School and four at Murwillumbah High School.

At Murwillumbah High School, works to fully restore the school are well underway, as the Department aims to refurbish classrooms and specialist learning classrooms ready for learning by Day 1, Term 1, 2025. Work is also underway on renovating the school hall, library, administration office and school support unit.

Upgrade work is also underway at Wollumbin High School. Upgrades will include improvements to the outdoor sports court, stormwater drainage, delivering new special learning support classrooms, renovations of toilet facilities, new painting, carpeting and general maintenance, a new bus shed and new sport facilities.

Deputy Premier and Education and Early Learning Minister Prue Car said:

“I am delighted that new school principals Kelly Spilstead and Zoe Tiernan will lead the Wollumbin High and Murwillumbah High School communities as they become separate schools once again.

“We are committed to delivering certainty for the Murwillumbah community, after many difficult years following the bushfires and floods.

“I look forward to seeing the four schools in Murwillumbah take shape in the coming year.”

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:

“I listened to the community who were absolutely clear they wanted their four schools and I got that commitment from the Deputy Premier, who’s the Minister for Education.

“Every step towards the return to the four schools gives the school community certainty and confidence for their children’s education.

“There’s a big investment in public education in Murwillumbah with the upgrade works at Murwillumbah High School and Wollumbin High School, and I know the community is looking ahead to having its schools returned in 2025.”

Zoe Tiernan, Principal Murwillumbah High School said:

“I am incredibly excited to have been given this leadership role within Murwillumbah High School.

“I look forward to improving outcomes and inspiring all students through consultation, respect and collaboration.”

Kelly Spilstead, Principal Wollumbin High School, said:

“After some time relieving as principal of Mullumbimby High School, I’m excited to be returning to the area as we transition into two schools.

By honouring the past, staying grounded in the present, and working together to shape the future, I’m confident we will establish two high schools as the schools of choice within our community.”