Q: How do you feel about using the dyed mulch made of rubber around plants? Seems to me it would dry up and look awful after a while.

A: I can tell you that un-dyed mulch is dustier and more likely to rub off on your hands.

The dyed rubber mulch seems stable, but that is the problem: it doesn’t break down and feed the soil like chips or straw do.

Another problem is its flamability.

Ohio State University did a comparison of chips versus straw versus rubber mulches that were exposed to flames. They noted that ground rubber ignited far too easily to be used in playgrounds.

see EASE OF IGNITION OF 13 LANDSCAPE
MULCHES

Also read about other problems.

Unless it’s in a commercial situation I don’t recommend rubber mulch.