Yep, it is the recycled tire mulch. Through phone calls to local businesses and research on the web, here is what I know about it so far:
1. It's expensive, but I'm calculating payback within 3 yrs. This assumes you would have had to put down regular mulch once per year.
2. The color lasts a long time. Guarantees vary though. I see some guaranteed for 12 yrs and others around 5 yrs. I'm guessing the devil is in the details: (i.e.) little color loss vs total color loss.
3. It keeps water in the soil, but does not soak up water like regular mulch (which is supposed to promote fungus growth).
4. Rain wont wash it away and you can use a leaf blower on it.
5. Not supposed to stink and not supposed to leech into the soil.
6. No termites
7. Since it is not biodegradable, it will not add any nutrients back into the soil.
8. The type you use for landscaping is different than the type you use on a playground. The landscaping type has trace amounts of metal (from the tires). The type for a playground does not. The playground type is more expensive.
Now, all that sounds good, but curious to get some thoughts from someone who has actually purchased this stuff. I'm also wondering at the end of 5 or 10 years, how the hell do I dispose of the sun-bleached rubber?
My main motivation in doing this is to save money in the long run and not have to mulch each year. I want something that keeps its color longer. However, if future disposal fees negate any savings of not having to purchase regular mulch, it may not be worth it.
DMV, why does your homeowner's assoc not allow it?