Why the tires? Where do you get all those tires anyway?
They grow just fine in the ground:
Gosh, look at this:
Due to heavy metals and other pollutants in tires there is a potential risk for the ( leaching) of toxins into the groundwater when placed in wet soils. This impact on the environment varies according to the pH level and conditions of local water and soil. Research has shown that very little leaching occurs when shredded tires are used as light fill material; however, limitations have been put on use of this material; each site should be individually assessed determining if this product is appropriate for given conditions. [14]
Ecotoxicity may be a bigger problem than first thought[ by whom?]. Studies show that zinc, heavy metals, a host of vulcanization and rubber chemicals leach into water from tires. Shredded tire pieces leach much more, creating a bigger concern, due to the increased surface area on the shredded pieces. Many organisms are sensitive, and without dilution, contaminated tire water has been shown to kill some organisms. [15]
en.wikipedia.org
Are Old Tires Safe to Use as Planters?
3/10/2009 12:00:00 AM
By Cheryl Long
Are old tires safe to use as planters?
Sharon White
Mora, New Mexico
Short-term, yes, tire planters are OK, although the soil in black tire planters will probably get hotter than most plants would prefer. Long-term, no, because the tire rubber will slowly biodegrade and release zinc, carcinogenic PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and other toxic compounds into your soil.
Toxics from tires are an even greater concern in some recycled products, such as rubber mulch and artificial turf, that are made from shredded or pelletized old tires. Here is an excellent report about the hazards of recycled tires, by Sarah Lane at Progressive Kid.
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