I live in NH and have always used Cedar Mulch. It deters ants, termites, spiders, and other insects that you DON'T want in your garden, but the insects that you DO want in your garden (Aphids, Bee's, and other pollinators) don't mind it. If you have it at a reasonable size in chips, not chunks, it lasts a long time. Cedar Mulch, when layed properly, prevents weeds from growing. It is great at retaining the perfect amount of moisture and it does not heat your garden up during the day
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like darker colors would. Remember; the darker your mulch is, the hotter your garden beds will be because of heat absorption from the sun and this could affect how your plants grow. A lot of plants can not tolerate extra heat, especially from below. They need the sun from above for the photosynthesis, but the heat from the mulch should be minimal.
I would NEVER use Rubber Mulch for ANYTHING! Not even for a playground. As said before, as the rubber breaks down, all sorts of caustic chemicals leak into our soil and wreak havoc on our planet. You might as well have your town come and dump all their garbage in your yard while you're at it if you are using Rubber Mulch. It's basically the same thing as a landfill. I think that Rubber Mulch should be banned. There is absolutely NOTHING organic about it. You might as well pour your used car oil in your garden and plant your flowers around it.
Sorry about the rant on the Rubber Mulch, but I really do believe that it is a bad idea.
I would NEVER use Rubber Mulch for ANYTHING! Not even for a playground. As said before, as the rubber breaks down, all sorts of caustic chemicals leak into our soil and wreak havoc on our planet. You might as well have your town come and dump all their garbage in your yard while you're at it if you are using Rubber Mulch. It's basically the same thing as a landfill. I think that Rubber Mulch should be banned. There is absolutely NOTHING organic about it. You might as well pour your used car oil in your garden and plant your flowers around it.
Sorry about the rant on the Rubber Mulch, but I really do believe that it is a bad idea.