We have a lot of flowerbeds around our house. The mulch we've typically used is shredded. It is problematic because it gets trapped in our dog's fur and slowly works its way into the house.

We've considered rubber mulch but aren't sure if it would be any better.

Thoughts? Dangerous for animals? Snake oil?

Not sure if it is the same stuff, but my kids old day care school had one playground with black rubber mulch under it. Their shoes and legs were always covered in black when they came home after playing in that yard. I would be concerned about a dog tracking that kind of situation into the house.

Don't do it! Brush your dog before let it inside.

good to know, thanks!

Brushing dogs before re-entering isn't an option. They have a dog door so come and go.

Sounds like I should avoid rubber however. I might need to consider rock in the areas I know they're getting most of the mulch, or the bigger chipped mulch which I don't care for either.

nm

I did rubber mulch. Hated it.

Can't clean the leaves out of it.
If it gets displaced, it is there forever. In the grass, etc.
Eventually it works its way into the dirt. These are especially true if your dog plays in the beds.
Doesn't hold moisture, so beds dry out/burn

Find something you can live with (Nugget mulch?) that you can top dress each year.


Rocks are the same as rubber mulch in my opinion.

https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/2862530

Agree. We have a few rock beds and they are definitely not zero maintenance.

Have to hand pick out leaves sometimes and weeds etc. We also have issues where rocks get kicked out and go in lawn (then lawnmower) and pool (stuck in cleaner).

They might still be best bet for OP but not perfect.

Would def do rocks over rubber mulch (brother has it and they are looking to get rid of it).

Stick with the real stuff and deal with the little bit of dog and house maintenance. It's much safer for the family and dog and better for your landscape. We use shredded cedar.

Texker said:

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Stick with the real stuff and deal with the little bit of dog and house maintenance. It's much safer for the family and dog and better for your landscape. We use shredded cedar.

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And a little training can keep the dog out it.

Or landscaping glass

Years ago we (and by we I mean Mrs Mathguy wanted it and I supplied the labor) put out rubber in the back yard beds. It's mostly gone now. Mostly. Never again.