Mulch is an excellent asset for gardeners and arborists. It insulates soil, retains moisture, keeps out weeds, prevents soil compaction, reduces lawnmower damage, and can add an aesthetic touch to a yard or street.
Our Mix: Approximately 60% wood chips, 20% chipped leaves, and 20% chipped twigs.
Using as Mulch
A mulch is a material placed over the surface of the soil for a number of beneficial reasons. Adding chips to the landscape can be a great thing when kept in mind:
Stabilizes soil temperatures (warmer in winter, cooler in summer)
Reduces evaporation and conserves soil moisture
Reduces germination of some weed seeds
Makes removal of weeds easier
Attractive landscape element (component of good xeriscape)
Note: Chips may blow away if they are too light, and wash away in the rain if placed on a slope.
Using as a Soil Amendment
If you work the wood chips into the soil, they act as a soil amendment rather than a mulch. This increases pore space, allowing air and water to penetrate compacted soil more easily.
The Decomposition Process
Wood chips decompose releasing nutrients, acting as food for beneficial fungi and bacteria.
Important Consideration: Nitrogen Because wood chips are low in nitrogen, decomposing fungi/bacteria will take nitrogen from the surrounding soil. Large chunks decompose slowly, but smaller particles (like shavings or sawdust) decompose rapidly, which can cause nitrogen deficiency problems in your soil.
Solution: If working chips into the soil, add additional nitrogen (chemical fertilizer or manure).
Learn More About Mulching
Using wood chips in the landscape is an excellent idea, but it must be done properly. Keep in mind the considerations stated above so that you will do it properly.
