Florida Mulch, Straw & Bark

Organic Mulches-Protecting Your Plants, Beautifying Your Garden

Choosing the correct mulch is one of the most important decisions you can make in your landscape design. Mulch can serve a variety of roles, from protecting plant roots and retaining moisture to serving as a visual accent. Moreover, because mulches are organic, they interact with the soil. When mulch breaks down it provides vital nutrients that enhances the soil’s chemical make-up. 

Bark Mulch

As the name suggests, bark mulch is simply chipped tree bark. It’s one of the most popular mulches available because it’s easy to spread, complements a wide variety of landscape choices, and looks beautiful around foliage. It also provides excellent weed protection and holds moisture well, keeping your plant soil moist year round, particularly in the hot summer months. Bark mulch is available in a variety of different woods, pine being the most popular. 

Wood Chips

Wood chips come from the interior of a tree.  Like bark mulch, wood chips are available in a variety of different wood types and colors. Chips are typically blended to keep pests away naturally. Most wood chips are considered quite inexpensive and make a beautiful accent to garden areas and walkways. 

Straw and Hay

Using straw or hay as mulch is a popular alternative to more traditional bark mulch and wood chips. Like bark mulch, straw and hay provide excellent protection from water evaporation. Additionally, many homeowners appreciate the more natural look of straw or hay mulches. 

Mulching Tips

• Don’t place mulch in direct contact with tree bases. Mulch that retains water at the base of increases the likelihood of bark disease and wood rot. Leave approximately 1’ of space between the mulch line and trunk of the tree. This will allow enough room for the trunk 
• Make sure your layer of mulch is not too thick. Excess water can become trapped in mulch that is spread too thick, leading to the development of fungus in your mulch. 2-3” is recommended.