Mulch Madness is Here!

Do not create 'mulch volcanos'

            March Madness is now beginning.   ‘Mulch Madness’ should be full swing and continue through the spring and into the summer.  Mulching in and around our flowers and trees is nothing new, but every year we have choices of what type of mulch to use.  Everyone knows how mulches retain moisture, act as a weed barrier, warm the soil in the winter, and cool the soil in the summer.  Mulches however can be a decorative aspect also, so why not pick one that coordinates with your house.

  In our region the most commonly used mulches are pine straw, pine bark, cypress bark, and hardwood bark.  These brown-colored mulches look great with homes that have a brick or stone façade.  These organic materials are readily available and when freshly applied make a planting look neat and nice.  Being organic though means that they have to be replaced almost annually.  When using hardwood mulch, make sure the bark has been composted. 

            There has been somewhat of a trend for red-dyed wood mulches.  Red-dyed mulches provide a splash of color but these bursts of color compete for attention with the plantings and the house.  Additionally this type of mulch can leave a pinkish hue on your concrete after a rainfall.

            As for as inorganic mulches go, gravel is good for several house types.  Dark beach pebbles or ground brick look good with homes covered with stucco.  Japanese garden-style pea gravel fits nicely with homes with a modern style of architecture.  Volcanic rocks or slate will accent a neutral colored home.  A house with dark tones can be lightened up with river rocks.

            Something seen at trade shows is colored glass mulch.  These smooth, rounded glass pieces come in colors ranging from clear to shades of green, blue, and pink or whatever the manufacturer chooses to make.  They can be over powering if used in too large an area.

            You might also run across rubber mulch made from recycled car tires.  This mulch can also be colored, but as with the colored glass, a little goes a long way.  The best use for this mulch is around playground equipment to cushion falls of children at play.

            With whichever type of mulch you choose, there are a few basic rules to remember.  Be careful not to get organic mulches up against the foundation of the house so as to not encourage termites.  Apply the organic mulches (barks, straw,) 2 to 4 inches deep.  Inorganic mulches (gravels, glass, rubber) are applied 1 to 2 inches thick.  To improve the effectiveness of inorganic mulches, black plastic or weed-barrier cloth should be applied underneath them.  And all mulches should be kept 2 inches away from the base of trees to prevent decay.