Archive for the ‘Gardening’ Category

Water Conservation Tips

Wednesday, July 11th, 2012

With heat waves making the first half of 2012 the warmest in history it can become difficult to keep grass and lawns properly hydrated and healthy. However, many people overdue it by constantly running sprinklers and lawn systems when they aren’t always necessary. Water usage is generally increased during the summer, and this puts a strain on groundwater that sustains local streams and ecosystems. Conserving water will help protect the environment, save energy and money, and keep lawns healthy.

Consider using rubber mulch for landscaping wherever possible, whether between plants and shrubs or around trees. The rubber mulch helps the soil retain water and provides cool relief from the sun, reducing the amount of water that evaporates. Mulch also offers an aesthetic appeal to any garden, with a variety of colors that don’t fade with time.

When using your sprinklers, don’t waste water; point the water to the grass rather than the sidewalk or driveway, which also make it hard for people to walk by. Don’t assume that if it’s hot your lawn needs water. A good way to test is to step on a patch of grass. If it springs back when you pick up your foot it doesn’t need water just yet. Another way to economize on water is to let the rain do its job. The lawn only needs about one inch of water per week to stay green, whether from rain or other means. If the rainfall for the week is expected to reach an inch you don’t need to supplement with sprinklers.

Mowing your lawn regularly and removing less than a third of the grass after mowing will keep the grass looking fresh, and will help with its irrigation. Taller grass shades the roots and slows evaporation.

A good way to preserve water is by setting up a rain barrel that collects rain water, to be used for irrigating plants and grass. It’s also important to ensure that garden hoses are tightly connected to the spigot, without leakage. You can ensure that the connection is firmly in place by using pipe tape and a wrench.

Conserving water this summer will help protect the environment, and in the long run can help your lawn look green and healthy. Be sure to use rubber mulch when gardening for optimum results.

What to Know When Buying Landscape Mulch

Tuesday, June 5th, 2012

In a report released this week by Angie’s List and ABC 6 News, the many benefits of rubber mulch for landscaping were discussed. Aside for the mulch adding aesthetic beauty to any yard or garden, there are many fringe benefits that come with rubber mulch.

For those looking to save a few bucks or to achieve the satisfaction of a do-it-yourself project Rubberecycle mulch is the way to go. Easy to install and requiring little maintenance, the mulch provides essential moisture and nutrients that help fight off weeds and pests.

“Typically mulch lasts about 9 to 12 months. It breaks down naturally, releasing nutrients down into the soil. Dyed mulch tends to hold a little bit better than regular hardwood mulch. It holds its color a little bit more,” said Gregg Pulley, a landscaper. And another bonus, it’s relatively cheap.

“When buying mulch, you can buy it by the bag or in bulk, and it’s usually about $20 to $30 per yard. If you are buying in bulk, keep in mind you’re also going to have a delivery fee; consider joining forces with your neighbors and having a large order delivered that you can share,” said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List.

It is a little-known fact that the color of the mulch you choose can affect he price. Brown and black are two of the most popular colors because they blend in with the landscaping well, and they are therefore more expensive. From among colors, red will be the priciest as it helps the landscaping pop. Recycled tire mulch is the cheapest rubber mulch, and is often found on playgrounds in the form of Playsafer mulch.

To figure out how much mulch you need find the area of the space by multiplying length times width, then divide by one hundred. Mulch is usually applied at an average of 3 inches deep, and one yard of mulch will cover 100 square feet, 3 inches deep, advises Pulley.

The report also explains that there are various consistencies of mulch to choose from, including coarse, shredded, and fine. The type of consistency will determine how fast the mulch decomposes, with the finer mulch types decomposing the fastest.

With summer in full swing and many outdoor items on sale, now is a great time to invest in rubber landscape mulch.

Rubberecycle at the Trade Shows

Friday, January 20th, 2012

As the green product season heats up and manufacturers unveil their revolutionary eco-friendly goods, Rubberecycle is looking forward to being a significant presence in many prominent trade shows. Their unique rubber mulch is well renowned for its many qualities, and Rubberecycle products always generate buzz at the shows. They are right now in the midst of the trade show season with a packed schedule, in which they try to accommodate consumers all over the U.S. by helping them put the green into their lifestyles.

The first show to kick off the season was arranged by the NRPA, or National Parks and Recreation Association. The 2011 Congress and Exhibition in Atlanta, Georgia brought together experts in the parks and recreations field from across America. They did their best to show how we can have safer, greener parks with a variety of products and techniques. Rubberecycle rubber mulch, as the number one rated playground surface in America, was a topic of much discussion. It is a well known fact that the White House playground is currently floored with rubber mulch, and many cities, schools, and private homeowners are looking to follow suit.

In mid-January, MANTS, otherwise known as the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show, gave green activists the opportunity to see the latest and greatest in green products. Hosted in Baltimore, the show was flooded with greenery and green activists, many of whom were eager to see for themselves how rubber mulch is both green and great for landscaping.

Next week brings with it CENTS, only the third green trade show of its kind.  Hosted by the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association, the show is a green lover’s haven. It features all the latest gizmos, gadgets, and information to do with landscaping and going green. As an industry leader, Rubberecycle will no doubt be a key exhibitor.

Also to look forward to in February is the New England Grows show, a leading horticulture trade show and green industry seminar. It is important to take note that no more is rubber mulch a little know, controversial substance in the world of landscaping. It has taken the industry by storm, and is a central exhibit at many trade shows.

With the trade show season heating up, Rubberecycle is anticipating the opportunity to help consumers recognize the many benefits of rubber mulch for themselves.

Winter Flowers

Thursday, January 12th, 2012

Before winter, many gardeners prepare by mulching around plants and laying a protective coating above the soil, allowing the ground to huddle in and brave the cold. However, there are flowers that are perfect for winter – flowers that are extremely hardy, and can grow outdoors in any weather. Yes, we’re talking real flowers, not just little scrub bushes. Just remember that before planting these flowers it is important to use a generous amount of landscape mulch so that the soil is kept warm, and the flowers can thrive.

If planting indoors, the colors that winter flowers come in are varied. If the flowers are planted outside, however, the colors will be more limited to white, blue, violet, and the occasional yellow. This may be a good thing to keep in mind when purchasing rubber mulch for gardening, so you can coordinate the mulch with the color of the flowers.

The main plants in an outdoor winter garden will be shrubs and flower bulbs. Some good choices for flowers are Winter Aconite, Snowdrop Flower, and Witch Hazel.

The Snowdrop flower is referred to as the January birth month flower because it grows between late winter and early spring. The flower grows best in a cool climate; it needs some sunlight and some shade. The bulbs will dry out if not planted right away, and they require a period of cold weather before starting to bloom. They will bloom to their fullest potential in a cool climate. The Snowdrop Flower’s beauty remind some of a weeping willow in that they grow tall stems with beautiful white blossoms that droop to the ground, almost as if they are snowdrops falling from the sky.

The Winter Aconite is a vibrant yellow flower that looks like a cross between a Buttercup and a Crocus. This flower is extremely hardy, and can grow in almost any type of the soil, with adequate mulch and drainage. It is a small flower that carpets the ground, having short stems and dark green leaves. The Winter Aconite prefers shade to the sun, and is very low maintenance, sowing its own seeds and growing in number from year to year.

Witch Hazel is a winter shrub whose reddish-yellow blossoms give off a fragrant scent. This shrub grows very tall, and will grow well in either shade or sun. It, too, grows from late winter to early spring.

During the winter your garden does not have to be barren. With the right mulch and flowers, you can have beautiful blossoms all year round.

Rubber Mulch as a Winter Coat for the Ground

Monday, December 19th, 2011

As the end of December nears and the cold weather makes a strong showing, don’t abhor the snow that is sure to come. For landscapers and gardeners, snow is actually good for the ground, helping to insulate plants while they retreat during the cold weather. The snow shields the ground from the sun and any unexpected rise in temperatures, as well as keeping it cold and packed hard. The protection provided by the snow helps pave the way for regrowth in the spring.

 

In fact, experts say that if you live in an area that doesn’t see much snow you should consider adding a layer of mulch to the ground before the cold weather sets in, as it will offer similar benefits to natural snow. In order to do this, first cultivate the soil surface so the ground is not too compacted. Then spread a layer of mulch. In the spring you will have to rake the top layer of mulch off the soil, revealing ground that is primed and ready to bloom.

 

When mulching, you can use a combination of organic mulches, wood chips, or rubber mulch. For the purposes mentioned above, rubber mulch is a choice pick. The synthetic tire mulch is made of hardy material that will withstand inclement weather and guard the soil beneath. Being more dense than wood chips, rubber mulch will also stay put, rather than flying off at the hint of a wind. Lastly, wood has a tendency to decay and decompose from rain and snow, resulting in black slivers and splinters spread over the landscaping. With rubber mulch, spring will find a neat pile of mulch, left exactly where you put it down.

 

Rubberecycle rubber mulch can be purchased online, at rubberecycle.com.

Eco-Friendly Grass Alternatives, Part 2

Thursday, November 10th, 2011

As discussed in the previous post, grass takes a huge toll on the environment, as well as your wallet. Groundcover, rubber mulch, and ornamental grasses were discussed as good alternatives to natural grass. There are a few more options that will also take the place of grass at a lower cost financially, and to the planet.

Clover is a leafy plant that comes in various forms. It is used to condition soil and to choke out weeds. It is a good alternative to grass because it needs little watering or mowing, and no fertilizer. It also stays green throughout the summer, and costs little to purchase. The plant only grows to about four to eight inches high. It should not, however, be used in play areas or areas of constant use.

Flower and shrub beds are an excellent option for areas of low usage, and are great for sloping, hard to mow areas. Shade-loving flowers can be planted beneath trees or overhangs, areas where grass may have a hard time growing. They will also add to the aesthetic appeal. When planting flower beds, it is important to mulch around the plants. The mulch will keep the soil moist, and protect it from weeds. You can choose from a variety of options, including rubber mulch for landscaping, leaf mold, sawdust, and other options. Flower and shrub beds should be planted raised, and with a small variety of flowers.

There are many great alternatives to grass in a garden or lawn that will retain a pretty effect, with benefits to all involved parties. The specifics will be individualized to the garden in question, but in almost any area, some of the grass can be eliminated with creative alternatives.

Eco-Friendly Grass Alternatives

Tuesday, November 1st, 2011

Large, beautiful lawns of grass bring beauty to any area, but they can cost the environment greatly, aside for monetary expenses. Lots of fuel must be used for lawn mowers, lawns consume lots of water, and there are toxic emissions, among other concerns. There are many excellent alternatives to grass that will provide a beautiful garden or lawn without using natural grass.

Groundcovers are plants which spread across the soil, but do not grow high. They can be used as a form of mulch, and they are usually chosen for texture, density, and how well they prevent weeds. Unlike grass, these plants require little or no maintenance. Common forms of groundcover are flowers such as perennials and evergreens, and edible forms, such as strawberries.

Rubber mulch is excellent for permanent walkways, pathways, and driveways. It is also used around plants. Landscape mulch is aesthetically pleasing to the eye, and is commonly used in backyards and playgrounds. Rubber mulch comes in numerous colors to fit and enhance any landscaping design. Because of its synthetic nature, the rubber surfacing also needs little or no maintenance, resulting in no cost to the environment. In fact, it is made out of recycled tires, benefitting the environment.

Ornamental grass comes in many forms, and is synthetically produced. The grass is drought resistant, and requires little maintenance, utilizing a lot less fertilizer and water. Ornamental grass looks exactly like naturally grown grass, with less cost to the environment.

Rubber mulch is one of many excellent alternatives that can keep lawns beautiful, easily maintainable, and eco friendly.

Guide to a Beautiful Playground

Thursday, August 25th, 2011

Playgrounds are meant for children to play in and enjoy, but that doesn’t mean that they have to be eyesores. There are companies devoted to designing the most aesthetically pleasing playgrounds for the area, as well as providing the best that playground equipment has to offer.

The first step for any playground is the purchase of rubber mulch. Rather than the wood chips or blacktop of old, rubber mulch is the playground flooring of the future. Constructed from recycled rubber, the chips are made to resemble wood, with an extra shock absorbing quality that makes them the best option for playground safety. Unlike wood, rubber mulch also does not freeze in the winter, maintaining a cushiony softness that is the perfect texture for children’s antics.

From a design perspective, the playground flooring comes in a variety of colors, including green, orange, rust, and many more. Rubber mulch is also odor free, and is non-staining and non-abrasive. The color does not fade over time, maintaining a healthy, vibrant look. It is important to coordinate the color of the rubber mulch with the surrounding fence of the play area, if there is one, and its relation to the rest of the playground gear. Depending on the area, it may be a good idea to cordon off one section of the playground with rubber mulch, and landscape the rest with grass, or vice versa.

Playground equipment is constantly being improved, with more creative ways for children to play, and innovative designs that keep the equipment pleasing to the eye. The options are endless, with jungle gyms in futuristic designs and color codes to match any design specifications. There are playground sets that also come with thematic elements, boasting a wood look, futuristic appeal, and much more. It is important to take into account the wishes of the children who will actually use the playground in question.

If this is an option, it is always nice to design the playground in tandem with the surroundings, taking into account the landscaping. Bushes and natural hedges are a classic way of encircling the play area, with rubber mulch surrounding the center jungle gym.

The options when designing a playground are endless, and as a considerable investment, it’s worth taking the time to do thorough research. Rubber mulch is a staple in any playground, and then the rest will follow.

Do You Garden?

Monday, June 27th, 2011

If you own a gardening or landscaping company or enjoy gardening and want to go into the business, this article is for you!

As a gardener (or to-be gardener), you’ve probably heard lots about Rubber Mulch. You’re probably pretty devoted to your costumers and would like to satisfy them too. In order to fully satisfy your costumers, you’ve got to learn the basics about Rubberecycle rubber mulch. You may have had plenty of unanswered questions, and you may be interested in hearing the truth about rubber mulch.

Gardeners and Landscapers will be thrilled to hear about the latest and greatest product on the market! Rubber Mulch is convenient and easy for gardeners to install. A huge plus is that you can mulch and keep your hands clean too! The mulch is rubber, and therefore involves no dirt or soil. It’s also weather resistant, which is a great way to catch the costumers eye. Rubber Mulch will stay through wind, rain, or shine! No matter what the weather, your Mulch is bound to stay in place! Also, plenty of people complain about the odor of Mulch and Rubber Mulch is odor-less (!!!) which makes it all much better. It’s also non – toxic which will keep you totally safe.

As the Gardener, you probably would appreciate if it took less time and got the same results. And that’s exactly what Rubber Mulch is! It’s quick and easy to install. You have to be sure to get the right amount and you’re set. Your costumers will be thrilled that it’ll take you so quick, and so will you! Rubber Mulch also fights weed growth which will leave you with half the job. It comes in a few different colors which is nice too.

Your costumers will love that and they’ll definitely be pleased.  So Gardeners and Landscapers, and all those who plan on it, you should think about Rubberecycle Playsafer Rubber Mulch. Do it for yourself and for your costumers.  You’ll both be thankful.

Gardening Done Right

Tuesday, May 31st, 2011

With the weather turning warm, we tend to be spending less time indoors, and more time outdoors. No matter what you do out there, there’s no denying the sense of relaxation the outdoors brings. For all those gardeners out there and even those who don’t like gardening, or just don’t have time, but still want their yard to look nice, this is your time of year! Some of us put hours into our gardens while some of us wish to but don’t have time and energy. It can also be quiet costly if you think about everything that goes into gardening.

One thing that’s been around for a while, and plenty of gardeners are pretty busy with, is mulching. Mulching is simple and could give a real nice look to you garden. The latest rubber mulch, is all the rage these days- and for good reasons! With tons of happy users, Rubber Mulch is taking over the gardening industry and changing it for the better. Being that it’s rubber, it’s clean and easy to handle. There’s no mess involved and it’s quick and easy to install.

Rubberecycle manufacturer of Playsafer that creates Rubber Mulch and on their web site they have a convenient Rubber Mulch Calculator. It’s basically the smartest way to insure that you purchase the right quantity, thereby avoiding a waste of your money.  Rubber Mulch it’s great for our environment,  just needs to be installed once and it’ll be good for years to come.  Playsafer Rubber Mulch is maintenance free! It comes in a variety of different colors which can add some beautiful life  to your garden and landscape. What’s more, your garden will stay put through all weather conditions, will not blow away or  freeze during the winter month.

You can place the playsafer mulch in the summer and come winter, it’ll look as good as new. It’s also worth the price if you calculate how much it would be to go through with all the gardening supplies and even wood mulch, which you have to replace every so often. Rubber Mulch will also keep out weeds and keep only good nutrient in, which is fabulous for your garden. No matter what flooding , rain or snow storms, or wind, you can rest assured your garden will look lovely when the sun comes out.

Rubberecycle

I f you would like to find out more info regarding recycled rubber mulch you can contact

Rubberecycle.com

at

888-436-6846
732-363-0600
Fax: 732-370-4247
info at rubberecycle.com