How to Add Shredded Rubber Mulch to Existing Mulch
While there are various inorganic materials you can use as mulching material, shredded-rubber mulch offers a permeable material that will not decay for 200 years or more. This is an advantage over organic materials, which will decay and have to be replaced frequently. When you decide to make the switch from organic mulch to rubber mulch, you don't have to remove the existing layer of mulch. Instead, you can add the shredded-rubber mulch to the top. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Inspect the existing mulch to see if it has decayed and compacted. It will be clumped together. Fresh, loose mulch won't form a base layer where you can place a top layer of the shredded rubber mulch. Instead, the rubber mulch will mix in with the existing mulch.
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Sprinkle a layer of shredded rubber mulch on top of the existing mulch. Spread the rubber mulch gently with a rake, taking care not to break apart the compacted organic mulch.
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Place a measuring tape or a ruler by the edge of the layers of mulch and measure the depth of the material. Both layers of mulch should total between 2 and 2.5 inches. Add more shredded rubber mulch if necessary.
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Add more shredded rubber mulch to the layer of mulch, as the bottom layer of organic mulch further decays and reduces the total amount of mulch present.
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Tips & Warnings
Shredded-rubber mulch is available in various colors to add interest to your landscaping.
Blow accumulated debris from the rubber mulch with a leaf blower set on a low-setting.
Avoid spreading too much shredded rubber mulch on top of the existing mulch or you may create moisture or draining issues for any existing plant life. Keep the entire depth at 2 to 2.5 inches.
