Choose the right mulch

Pine bark or hardwood? Consider wisely, or you'll be caught red-handed.

Some things are just too shocking to be believed-such as hearing that Lassie was a KGB agent or that Katie Couric chews tobacco. So, at the risk of sending you into a coma, let me very gently reveal one of gardening's hidden truths-there is more than one kind of wood mulch.

Easy, easy! You're hyperventilating. Just breathe into this paper sack while I continue. Yes, it's true. Depending on where you live, you may encounter shredded hardwood, pine bark, cypress, and even that new dyed mulch you often see decorating finer service stations.

Now we all know the benefits of mulch-it beautifies, reduces erosion and compaction, discourages weeds, insulates roots, and conserves soil moisture. And we all know not to pile wood mulch up against tree trunks (this causes pest problems) or let it get more than 3 inches deep (this robs the soil of nitrogen and does bad things to plants). But what are the pros and cons of these various mulches?

Kinds of Mulches

Shredded hardwood mulch is popular in the Upper South, where these trees dominate the forest. Good hardwood mulch consists mainly of shredded oak and maple bark. It is naturally dark brown and knits together well, so it usually stays in place during a hard rain. But it also packs down easily, which can rob nitrogen from the soil and cause other problems if mulch is deeper than a few inches.

Pine bark is probably the most popular wood mulch in the Middle and Lower South, where pines are ubiquitous. It's medium to dark brown. Although you can get it shredded, many people prefer it in chip form, sold as large nuggets and mini-nuggets. Large nuggets are several inches across. They won't pack down and smother things, and they decay slowly. But, they're big and coarse and tend to float during heavy rain like barges on the Mississippi. I prefer mini-- nuggets. Their texture is nice, they stay in place better, and they're great for containers.

Shredded cypress is the wood mulch of choice for Florida and the Coastal South. Made from the bark of bald cypress, it's naturally decay resistant, so it lasts for a few years. Plus, it stays put. But not all cypress mulches are equal. The best kind is made from the bark of trees used for timber. It has a rich auburn-brown color. Cheaper cypress mulch doesn't last as long.

Mulch To Dye For

What about the dyed-red mulches? Well, I don't want to offend anyone, but-oh, what the heck-I hate them. For one thing, why are they the color of Lucy Ricardo's hair? Secondly, you can't handle the stuff without getting red dye all over your hands, making you look suspiciously like an ax murderer. Finally, anytime the strongest color in your garden comes from mulch, you need to rethink your design.

STEVE BENDER

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Mar 2003
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