Problems Hardwood Mulch

Excess mulch can cause problems.

Problems hardwood mulch. Two types of mulch were used in a planting one was course grade hardwood chip with no fines which did not show any major outbreaks of phytophthora and the other was composted tub ground mulch which unfortunately contained considerable amounts of fine grade material. The problems with dyed mulch. Hardwood mulches may also cause nitrogen deficiencies in the soil precisely due to the presence of these cellulose eating microbes which can cause nearby plants to starve from lack of nitrogen. These disadvantages make dyed mulch far superior to natural options.

All together the problem with dyed mulch includes soil contamination water contamination damage to the soil ecosystem and the inability to break down and add nutrients to the soil. Pull mulch away about 3 inches or so from the base of tree trunks so it isn t touching the bark. Don t pile mulch deeply around the base of trees and shrubs. Hardwood mulch can compact over time and can block rain and nutrients from reaching the soil when that happens.

Wood mulch can sour if packaged or stored incorrectly which can damage plants. This mulch has improperly been placed against the trunk of the tree. Fungal growth on maple mulch products can prevent moisture and air from reaching the soil and plant roots. Shredded hardwood bark mulch is made from 100 tree bark and not ground up wood.

Always keep mulch shallow from one to three inches. Artillery fungus is a particular problem of many hardwood mulches and shows as cream or. Therefore it contains a great deal more nutrition for your plants and as it decomposes it greatly improves the soil in your gardens. This garden mulch problem is referred to as wood alcohol syndrome or sour mulch and will smell of alcohol rotten eggs or vinegar.

There are various reasons to mulch trees and shrubs. 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 weeds maintaining proper soil temperature and. Red colored wood mulch. If mulch smells like vinegar or a rotten egg do not use it until it has been spread out thinly away from plants for.

This is generally a temporary condition with yellowing of leaves and wilted leaves on woody plants indicating the resultant nitrogen deficiency.