How to Make Shredded Rubber Mulch

Shredded rubber mulch is generally made with special machinery in factories. It is a new product in the market and is popularly used on playgrounds, gardens and landscaping. People have started using it in the garden because it has a number of advantages. Firstly, it saves precious resources. It is elastic and permanent, and because it is made of rubber, its durability is higher than gravel or wood chip mulch.  It is not biodegradable and does not get blown away easily. 

It is possible to make shredder rubber mulch at home if you have the proper equipment and tools. You also need plenty of patience for the job. 

Step 1:  Collecting Old Tires

Collect used, worn out and old rubber tires from cars, trucks, bicycles or scooters. The condition of the tires does not matter, as they will be shredded after all. You can buy them from a junkyard at a very low cost. Try and find tires which have not been steel belted so that you can shorten the process. 

Step 2:  Removing Steel Belting

If you have some tires which are steel belted, remove the steel belting. Use pliers and a chisel to separate the rubber from the steel. This is the most difficult part of the process. Don’t forget to wear gloves because the steel can cut your fingers.  

Step 3:  Shredding Rubber

You require a powerful shredder to shred the steel-free rubber. Only an industrial shredder can do the job. Hence, it is best for you to contact a rental center which rents out shredders and chippers. Before you use it for your purpose, read the owner’s manual carefully and make sure that the machine is capable of shredding rubber. The shredder should be able to grind the rubber into mulch.

Step 4:  Painting the Mulch

Painting the rubber mulch is entirely optional. Use any kind of paint that is available in your local paint store which can be used for rubber.  A home improvement center would be the ideal place to get the paint. If you can use a paint sprayer, then the rubber mulch gets painted very well, but otherwise, you can just stir the paint and pour in on the rubber mulch. Keep turning and mixing with a rake, so that the paint gets on to all the rubber pieces.  

Mix well in a clean wheel barrow and dry on a tarp so that the paint does not go into the soil. Let the paint dry and then give them a second coat. Repeat the painting until all the pieces are painted and completely dry. Now the homemade rubber mulch is ready to be used.

Step 5:  Using Mulch in the Garden

Spread the shredded rubber mulch on your landscaping ground or garden, and the layer of mulch should be about 1 to 2 inches thick.