" wrote in news:1117079447.937358.134910
@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com:

My wife and I have seen advertised circular rubber like mats that go
around trees to take the place of mulch. No need to replace mulch all
the time and made of recycled materials. Sounds interesting: does
anyone have experience with such a beast. Any good? Does the lawnmover
pick up the edges when you mow? Steve Ignots

Well if all you want is something that stays in place, this thing is fine.
Some credible people have said that recycled rubber isn't particularly
desirable. Grass will grow through from underneath as well as over,
although in my experience the result is transient. You can put landscape
fabric underneath (product instructions recommended it for the seam).
Works fine to provide a buffer area to trim around. Not sure I'd buy
another one.