Benefits of Mulch

• In gardens, mulch can prevent top soil erosion, conserve soil moisture, prevent weed growth and keep soil off of fruits and vegetables. Mulch can also help maintain a constant soil temperature and prevent plants from freezing in winter temperatures. Using mulch on playground surfaces can help prevent injuries by absorbing the impact of falls.
  
  

Natural Mulch

• Organic substances such as bark chips, straw and grass clippings can be used as mulch. In gardens, natural mulch can enhance the soil as it decays, improving the soil's capacity to store water, as well as benefiting root growth by keeping the soil loose. A disadvantage to using natural mulch on playgrounds is that it does decay quickly and loses its effectiveness as a shock absorber more readily.
  
  

Rubber Mulch

• Rubber mulch is made from recycled tires. According to Washington State University, rubber is not as effective at controlling weed growth, can leach toxins into the soil as it decays and is flammable, creating fires that are difficult to extinguish. The Wall Street Journal reports that rubber mulch is used on playgrounds because it is an effective shock absorber, although if any steel from the tires remains, it can cause injuries.