5 Best Rubber Mulch Mats of 2023 | Reviews + Guide

Using rubber mulch is an excellent way to maintain and kid-proof your gardens while doing your bit for the environment. 

As such, rubber mulch mats have become a popular solution for gardeners and landscapers looking for an eco-friendly and durable alternative to traditional mulch. Made of recycled tire waste and other discarded rubber, these mats offer an affordable, attractive, and low-maintenance way to retain moisture in the soil, protect plants, and prevent weeds.

So, today, I’ve curated the best rubber mulch mats while considering factors, such as durability, thickness, ease of installation, and color options.

5 Best Rubber Mulch Mats Reviews

1. Gardener’s Supply Company Recycled Rubber Walkway – Best Durability With Lifetime Warranty

Kickstarting the list is Gardener’s Supply Company Recycled Rubber Walkway. This natural-looking pathway is made of recycled rubber tires, making it an eco-friendly and durable pick for your garden. The rubber mulch mat can even resist high outdoor temperatures. 

Despite being hardy in nature, I like how this recycled product is soft on the feet and knees, making it ideal for a playground. And after using the product for a long time, I also found that it suppresses weed growth and promotes the healthy growth of garden plants. Not to forget, it doubles as a stylish garden decor!

2. Plow & Hearth Recycled Rubber Permanent Garden Mulch Border – Best Natural-Looking Mulch Mat

Here’s another mulch mat that looks like real wood mulch, minus the backbreaking effort! Made of shredded recycled tires, this garden walkway looks natural while being durable and fade-resistant. I say this because I’ve used this product for quite some time now, and it looks as good as new!

Moreover, the rubber mulch border is cut-to-fit, making it easy to install. Drawing from experience, these rubber mats are also scatter-proof, so you don’t have to worry about tidying them up too frequently. 

Lastly, the perma-mulch border allows air and water to pass through but prevents unwanted weeds from dominating your plant space.

3. Zyppio Black Rubber Mulch Border For Landscaping – Most Affordable Rubber Mulch Roll With Plastic Anchors

Want to incorporate wood mulch in your backyard without the hard work? Then this environmentally friendly rubber mulch is your best bet. This landscaping mulch mat is made of high-quality recycled rubber and has a sleek black color that looks great in my garden.

I also like how this product includes 15 heavy-duty plastic anchors that are durable, reusable, low-maintenance, and easy to hammer in. This makes my work even easier, as I don’t have to rush to a nearby store to look for suitable equipment. 

Last but not least, recycled rubber offers ample flexibility for the rolled mat to fit into the nooks and crannies of your garden. It is also durable and versatile enough for bordering plant beds, rocks, trees, etc.

4. Backyard Expressions Red/Brown Reversible Mat – Best Reversible Rubber Mulch Mat

Crafted of premium-quality recycled rubber mulch, I like how this mat is reversible with a red and brown side. So, depending on the look of your garden, you can easily choose a suitable side. 

Moving on, this environmentally friendly rubber mulch mat is weather and fade-resistant, making it a long-lasting investment for your backyard. Personally, I like using this product in the bridge between the flower beds in my garden and occasionally to cover up muddy areas after heavy rain.

Thereafter, I notice how the rubber mulch helps enhance plant growth while preventing weeds. So, thanks to this product, without much effort, I can ensure that my garden looks prim and proper at all times.

5. Gardener’s Supply Company Recycled Mats – Best Weed Suppressing Rubber Mulch Roll Mat

If you want to save money on bark mulch, do not delay and check out this rubber mulch mat from Gardener’s Supply Company. Its semi-permeable construction allows water and air to pass through, thereby ensuring your plants are healthy and nourished. However, at the same time, the backing of the mat suppresses weed growth, which is a plus for your leafy friends!

Like other rubber mulch mats out there, this one is also made of recycled materials. And as someone who is passionate about sustainability, I love knowing that I’m doing my part to reduce my carbon footprint by using products that are eco-friendly. 

I also like the easy roll-out installation of this mat, making it a breeze to work with. So, even if you’re a beginner, you won’t face much difficulty in setting up this rubber mat. 

Best Rubber Mulch Mat Comparison Table

Buying Guide For The Best Rubber Mulch Mat

Choosing the best rubber mulch mat for your landscaping needs can seem overwhelming at first, but here are a few things to consider when making your selection:

1. Material Quality

Consider rubber mulch mats made of high-quality recycled rubber, as this ensures durability and resistance to weathering over time. Some low-quality mats may break down quickly, which will defeat the purpose of investing in a long-lasting mulch solution.

2. Size And Shape

Rubber mulch mats are available in various shapes and sizes, so make sure you choose one that fits your garden, pathway, patio, etc. So, always measure the area beforehand to ensure that the mat will be the right size.

3. Texture And Thickness

Needless to say, the texture of the rubber mulch border way should provide enough traction for safe walking. However, it should also be soft on bare feet and knees, especially if you have kids and pets who like to spend time outdoors. So, look for children-safe mats that offer fall protection.

Moreover, the thickness of the mat should be enough to control weeds and offer moisture retention.

4. Color

Albeit not an important factor, it is helpful to consider the color of the mat surface to ensure that it complements your garden or landscape design. You will find rubber mulch mats in a variety of color options, like black, brown, or red.

5. Budget 

Mulch mats can vary in price, so it’s essential to consider your budget. Keep in mind that investing in a high-quality mat may ultimately save you money in the long run due to its durability.

6. Maintenance

Lastly, always consider the level of maintenance required for the mat. After all, you require this product to avoid the backbreaking garden maintenance routine, right? 

That said, some rubber mulch mats require little to no maintenance, while others may need to be periodically cleaned or topped up with additional mulch.

How to use rubber mulch mats in your garden?

Mulching is a common practice among experienced gardeners, which involves the spreading of wood chips, leaves, or stones over a landscaped surface to prevent weeds and retain soil moisture. One innovative mulching option is to use mulch mats, which are rolls of materials like rubber or straw that conform to the soil surface. 

These mats are long-lasting and stay put, unlike sprinkled bark mulch, making them ideal for complicated areas like hillsides or near foundations. So, here’s a brief step-by-step guide to using a mulch mat properly:

Step 1
Choose an appropriate place in your garden and select a mat color that suits the surroundings.

Step 2
Now choose from the different types of mats. Besides the ones reviewed above, you can check out biodegradable options too that serve as soil additives.

Step 3
Next, till the soil, sow the seeds, and water the area generously. 

Step 4
Place the mulch mat roll along the garden perimeter and unroll it across the sown seeds, cutting the mat at the opposite end and securing all four corners with fasteners. Thereafter, avoid stepping on the mat and the seeds for some time to prevent damage.

Step 5
Continue watering the mat regularly, as you would in your garden. 

If you opt for an artificial mat, I recommend piercing small holes on the surface to allow seedlings to grow. Also, check the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and remove the artificial mats accordingly. Usually, the lifespan of such mats is 1-2 years.

Do rubber mulch mats release toxins?

Rubber is known to contain toxic chemicals, specifically zinc, that can seep into the soil, leading to chlorosis. Additionally, there are health concerns related to the use of rubber mats, as they release heavy metals, plasticizers, and more, which may harm the environment.

Conclusion

So, you see, rubber mulch mats can be an excellent choice for gardeners who want an efficient, long-lasting, and easy-to-use mulching solution. Simply ensure that you choose the right size, color, and material as per the specific requirements of your garden. 

That said, my favorite has to be Gardener’s Supply Company Recycled Rubber Walkway – not just for its high quality and durability but also for the brand’s generous lifetime warranty. Plow & Hearth Recycled Rubber Permanent Garden Mulch Border comes a close second for its realistic look and fade resistance.

But if you’ve got a tight budget, just go for Zyppio Black Rubber Mulch Border for Landscaping, as it comes with complimentary plastic anchors.