I need about 10-12 yards of mulch every year or about $800-$1000 ($80 a yard installed). The cost and my wife's concern over termites is making us consider shredded rubber mulch. The landscaping company is against this (and lawn fabric to prevent weeds) but they have a vested interest in the reoccurring work. I also live in North Jersey with a TON of oaks so leaves are a concern. The landscaping company says it is harder to blow the leaves out which doesn't make much sense given the rubber should weight more. It seem the rubber mulch is about 3X more expensive but will stay black up to 10 years. There must be something else I am missing besides the initial smell if I rarely see it being used. Does anyone have shredded rubber mulch installed? Any issues? How long does it last? Opinions on weed fabric seem to change from person-to-person. I don't plan to install something and I would cut out the fabric if necessary. I realize roots are harder to pull through the fabric so I am going back-n-forth on the installation.

Hi all So, I (finally!) got spousal approval to build a firepit in my backyard. I know that the max size of the pit allowed by my town is 36" (I am not sure if they mean inside diameter, or outside diameter--will be confirming this). My plan is to: [LIST] [*]Dig a 37" diameter circle, down about 6" below grade, ensure level [*]Dig additional 6" wide by 12" deep circle in center and put some gravel in for drainage (we have clay soil) [*]Put 2.5" of stonedust (crushed stone?) down 1" at a time, and tamp it down. Confirm everything is level [*]Stack 12 of these stones in a tight circle ([url]https://thd.co/2WPFnYC[/url]). This gives me approx 24" instide diameter, a little over 36" outside. This is first course, and will be below grade. [*]Repeat on three more courses, using a masonry adhesive to ensure it wont fall on our (young) kids if they jump on it [*]add 2" of gravel (NOT RIVER ROCK) to bottom [*]if my math is right, this should give me an approx 36" wide (outside) by 12" above grade fireptit (inside dimensions should be 24" wide by 12" deep (to top of gravel, 14" total to stonedust base) [*]I have a question on fire ring/liner (please see 'questions', below) [/LIST] I know I need an insert, and one of my options would involve me increasing the size of the pit slightly (see "heavy gauge" liner option below) [B]My questions for this project are[/B]: [LIST=1] [*]Is it necessary to introduce air gaps on the courses above grade? ie: only use 11 blocks in the course/stagger the seams of course)? [*]I know I need a fire ring. I have heard that the galvanized/cheapest option from Tractor Supply type place may not be 100% safe to burn in... So, I am looking at 'fire rings' and 'fire pit liners'... I am torn between a heavy gauge options (this one: [URL="https://amzn.to/2IqteWl"]Heavy Gauge Option[/URL]) or a cheaper option, which would also have air holes, so the fire would get more draft (this one: [URL="https://amzn.to/2WQt9nt"]Cheaper Option[/URL]) [/LIST] I guess I am wondering how must air I need to introduce in this. If I buy that heavier gauge liner, it seems like there wouldnt be much air intake from below in the pit-- would I end up wanting to drill holes in it? That said, maybe--however wasteful-- the less expensive option is 'better'? Its less money, AND it has air intake without any further modification needed. What say the experts? Thank you in advance for any and all advice :)