On Friday, March 31, contractors will finish a project to fill in barren landscaping areas along Espola Road with rubber mulch. Friday’s work is at the corners of Sandhill and Trailwind Roads. The project is intended to be an interim measure while the City continues to explore long-term landscaping solutions for this Landscaping Maintenance District.
Poway received the rubber mulch as part of a State funded grant through CalRecycle. With the severe impact of the drought being felt here in Poway – and no money in this Landscape Maintenance District budget for a full redesign – this was the best out of a very limited field of options to ensure the City stayed compliant with the California Lighting and Landscape District Act of 1972.
The City has used this mulch in other city-maintained areas in Poway with good results. Mulch previously laid along Espola Road survived the series of storms that passed through Poway in January and February. The mulch stayed in place and didn’t require additional clean up after the heavy rains and winds.
The product being used by the City of Poway has been approved by the California Environmental Agency. Poway’s Fire Marshal has confirmed that the mulch is safe for use, adding that rubber version is preferred to wood as it doesn’t ignite as easily.
Public Works will manage the upkeep, ensuring that any grass or weeds growing through the mulch is removed. For questions or comments about the rubber mulch, contact Public Works at (858) 668-4722.