What Is Hardwood Mulch Used For

Mulch serves multiple purposes in a landscape.

What is hardwood mulch used for.

It ll mat together and stay in place better than a thinner layer. The best kind of hardwood mulch for yards. Colored wood mulch is often made from recycled wood that can contain objectionable additives including arsenic from pressure treated wood and is not always 100 hardwood pressure treated wood containing arsenic was phased out a decade ago by the epa but old crates and pallets may still be entering the recycling stream. In areas where harvesting of hardwood trees is common hardwood mulch is usually very easy to find and it can be quite inexpensive.

If you want to use organic mulch on slopes apply a shredded type about 6 in. Conversely hardwood mulch could cost as much as 2 29 per 2 cubic foot bag depending on the type and quality of the leftover bark. Don t use too little or too much mulch. Mulch is used to retain moisture in the soil suppress weeds keep the soil cool prevent frost heaving in winter and make the garden bed look more attractive.

Three to four inches of organic mulch like hardwood or cocoa bean hulls applied around a plant or tree but not touching it is ideal for suppressing. Cocoa bean mulch is popular in some areas because of its deep brown color and chocolate odor. Pine bark and hardwood mulches make up just two. Since it was not included in the video what do you think of its use.

Cypress mulch averages about 1 49 per 2 cubic foot bag. Mulch performs a key role in an attractive healthy garden or landscape but the array of choices can prove daunting. But it s a bit tricky. I even use sifted pine bark mulch to get pieces around 1 8 to 1 4 to mix into bonsai soil with small river rock turface.

Additionally prices may vary on shredded mulch. Organic mulches also help improve the soil s structure drainage and nutrient holding capacity as they decompose. Like other materials used for mulch hardwood mulch serves a number of functions in the garden. And pull back mulch from the base of plants so it doesn t cause rot.

Triple shredded mulch costs more than double shredded mulch. Hardwood mulch is available at lowe s home depot so i have used it but pine bark is the most plentiful. Wood chips nuggets or bark. In addition to being visually pleasing mulch helps retain moisture reduces weeds and protects plants.