Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Cedar Mulch & Softwood Bark Mulch

Cedar mulch has similar properties to chipped hardwood bark
mulch. In addition, cedar mulch will not erode. It does not, however,
have insect repellent properties like chipped hardwood bark mulch.
Therefore, a mixture of cedar mulch and chipped hardwood bark
mulch can be an excellent mulch for any garden.
n Softwood Bark Mulch
Softwood bark mulch is created from fir, pine, and redwood trees. It
can be purchased in a variety of different sizes and is long-lasting. It
is a great choice for foundation plantings, but it does not have the
ability to interlock like chipped hardwood bark mulch. For this
reason, softwood bark mulch can wash away in strong rains such as
those experienced in the Gulf Coast region. This is particularly true
of large nuggets, which have a tendency to float in water.
Like chipped hardwood bark mulch, softwood bark mulch has natural
anti-fungus and anti-insect properties. For the best weed control,
you should add two to three inches of softwood bark to your
garden. It also will not rob nitrogen from your garden soil.
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Softwood bark can, however, attract termites and other types of
insects. Since pine bark mulch has a tendency to flake or chip, it isgreat for use as a soil amendment or for use in potting soils as well.

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