if not cypress mulch, then what?
In my last post, I urged responsible Florida gardeners to avoid cypress mulch, and promised to provide some better alternatives in my following post. Many readers seemed anxious to hear about them, so let’s dive right in.
The Good:
- Eucalyptus Mulch – This mulch is fairly long-lasting and has a smell many find pleasant. It supposedly repels insects naturally, and retains color longer than some other types. Eucalyptus is a non-native tree grown on Florida plantations specifically for mulch. Depending on how it’s farmed, this can be good or bad for the environment.
The Better:
- Pine Bark - Pine bark mulch is a by-product of the pine lumber industry, meaning it turns waste into a beneficial product – always good! Pine bark is noted to retain its color well, and is very commonly used and available in Florida.
The Best:
- Melaleuca Mulch – This is my favorite mulch for Florida. It’s made by the culling of invasive non-native melaleuca trees planted a century ago in the Everglades to “dry up the swamps”. (Seriously.) It’s long-lasting, termite-resistant, and treated so that no seeds of this tree can take hold in your yard. The biggest problem with this mulch type is finding it. The most common brand is FloriMulch. It’s readily available at some local nurseries, and to my delight, my local Lowe’s (N. Tampa) has started keeping a supply in stock. I encourage Florida-Friendly gardeners to ask for it at their favorite nursery or big-box store, so more retailers will be interested in carrying it.
The (Possibly) Free!
Remember, folks, this is just an overview of the mulch options available, and is not meant to be comprehensive – I’ve only got so much space here. I encourage you to do your own research to decide what’s best for your yard. Here are a few sites to get you started:
My recommendations are based on a lot of research and my own experiences. What about you, Sticks of Fire readers? What kinds of mulch do you prefer in your Florida-Friendly gardens? Let us know in the comments!
sharon
10 months ago
Good timing as I need to get some this week. I am hoping that N. Tampa means New Tampa and not North Tampa.
Jill
10 months ago
Sharon – Sorry, I do mean the North Tampa location of Lowe’s (that’s their store designation) is the one I know of that carries FloriMulch. Remember, if your local store doesn’t carry it, be sure to ask them to stock it!
sharon
9 months ago
Thanks, I make some calls tomorrow.
Marina
9 months ago
Hi Jill,
Thank you so much for promoting the use of mulch to homeowners and citing the University of Florida research. Your link to the Mulches for the Landscape (Hillsborough County Extension Office brochure), however, takes readers to the Florida Native Plant Society brochure, not the Extension’s brochure. Here is our link – http://hillsborough_fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/FYN%20PDF%20Files/Mulch%20Brochure%202007.pdf
sharon
9 months ago
Just want to let everyone know I got FloriMulch at Hollie’s for $2.99 a bag. They are loacted on County Line Road just west of Dale Mabry. http://gohollies.com/
Sira
9 months ago
“Fresh” Pine Bark or “bagged”
Is there a difference between getting someone to deliver “fresh” pine bark mulch on a truck vs. buying a bagged pine bark mulch at local store?
It may be a myth but I’ve heard that if we get bagged it is treated and therefore will resist subterran termites?
Seab
6 months ago
Pine straw is great even if you by bales. Stays in place recuces water use and with the use of “EnviroColor”, a non-hazardarous topical colorant you can keep that freshly installed look all year long!
Sean
6 months ago
Fogot to mention that EnviroColor has great colors for mulch too! What a great idea for the DIY lawn care and curb appeal fanatics!