How to Make a Rubber Mulch Ring

Use a rubber mulch ring to keep unsightly weeds from growing around your trees.

Gardeners and homeowners desiring to eliminate weed growth around trees and shrubs often turn to rubber mulch as an easy but affordable alternative to traditional wood-based mulch. According to Charlotte Wilcox, author of "Recycling," rubber mulch consists of recycled tires torn into small pieces, or crumbs. (see reference 1) Rather than having to deal with loose rubber mulch crumbles, you can use a rubber mulch mat to create a simple ring around the bases of recently planted trees or shrubs. Look for rubber mulch mats at your local garden or lawn care center or have one shipped directly to your home from an online retailer.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Paper
• Pen/pencil
• Rubber mulch mat
• Utility shears

Instructions

1. Measure the circumference of the base of the tree or shrub that you wish to encircle with the rubber mulch ring. Write the measurement on a piece of paper.

2. Place one end of the tape measure against the base of the tree and measure straight out from the tree to determine the radius of the mulch ring. Make sure the end of the tape measure extends to the point on the ground that corresponds to the outermost ring of leaves on each tree or shrub. For example, if the outermost leaves on your shrub extend 12 inches beyond the base of the shrub on each side, then you'll want the mulch ring to extend out from the base of the shrub at least 12 inches on each side. Write this measurement on your paper.

3. Calculate the minimum dimensions of your mulch ring. Divide the circumference of the tree or shrub by three to determine the diameter of the trunk, writing the answer down on your paper; for example, if the circumference of the tree is 21 inches, then the diameter equals 7 inches. Multiply the mulch ring radius (from step 2) by two and add the answer to the trunk diameter measurement to determine the minimum dimensions of the mat that you'll need. For example, if the desired mat radius from step 2 equals 20 inches and the trunk diameter equals 7 inches, then you'll need a mat that measures minimally 47 inches by 47 inches.

4. Purchase a rubber mulch mat in the desired color. Take the measurements with you to help ensure that you buy the correct size. If your measurements fall between mat sizes, opt for the larger one.

5. Cut any excess edges from the rubber mulch mat to make it the desired dimensions; for example, if the mat measures 50 inches wide by 60 inches long, you'll need to cut three inches from its width and 13 inches from its length to make it match your desired dimensions of 47 inches by 47 inches. Use utility shears to cut from one corner of the mat to the center. Cut from the center of the mat a circle that equals the circumference of the tree.

6. Open the mat at the cut corner and wrap it around the circumference of the tree. Fit the cut edges together so they're flush. Trim the four corners to give the ring a nicely rounded shape.

References

• "Recycling"; Charlotte Wilcox; 2007