How to use pine bark mulch

Search for a local business

Pine bark mulch tends to acidify the mulched area - it is recommended for use with plants that do well in acidic soils.

Each type of mulch has its unique properties and benefits to the plant. Understanding the mulches will help you choose the best mulch for your gardening activities.

Pine bark mulch is an organic product from the bark of pine trees. Like other mulches, it helps retain ground moisture, control weed growth and protects the ground surface. Additionally, the deep brown colour of pine bark mulch is aesthetically appealing. It is available in the coarse form, medium shreds and fine grades. It is light weight therefore easy to spread.

This property implies that pine bark mulches are suited to flatbeds or gardens. If used on sloping or hilly surfaces, it can easily be displaced by wind or washed away by rain. The coarse grade pine bark nuggets are long lasting because they decay slowly. Thus are best where regular replenishment is not required soon.

Pine bark mulch tends to acidify the mulched area. Meaning, it is recommended for use with plants that do well in acidic soils. The reddish to dark brown colour of this mulch gives the garden a sharp contrast against the shrubs making it very attractive. For a deeper contrast, try black mulch. The natural colour does not fade as fast as that of other mulches preserving the look of the landscape longer.

What is pine bark mulch good for?

Pine bark mulch is one of the popular mulching material. It is less expensive compared to other types. Since it is light, it is easy to spread. It is a good soil conditioner because of its ability to control soil moisture, weed growth and soil temperatures. It lasts longer than the regular organic mulch. Pines bark mulch especially the finely shredded types like pine needles break down fast. This quick decomposition releases nutrients and minerals like aluminium to the soil quicker than other types of mulch. This mulch is ideal for plants that do well in acidic soil conditions. The reason being, as it decomposes, it acidifies the soil where it is applied. The size of pine bark nuggets can be as long as 3 inches. The big wood chips enable good airflow. When it is raining, the wood chunks prevent the splashing of soil onto the plants.

Does pine bark mulch kill plants?

Pine bark mulch does not directly kill plants. However, there are side effects that you ought to be aware of if you are considering using it. Acidity problem with this mulch inhibits the availability of some nutrients plus mineral and enhances that of others. Acidity can cause the presence of minerals like iron and zinc to be high in harmful amounts.

The problem of acidity can be mitigated by alternating pinewood mulch with hardwood mulch. All mulches utilise nitrogen to decompose. Low nitrogen levels are harmful to plants with shallow roots. Avoid using pine bark mulch with such plants. If you have to, add a layer of nitrogen fertilizer to the dirt before applying.

The pine bark chips can easily be washed away by rain. If this happens, the purpose of mulching is defeated. The plants get exposed to the conditions the mulching is supposed to protect them from. If your garden is in flood prone areas, consider the use of shredded pine instead of the mulch pine bark chunks. Fresh pine mulch can be an agent of pine wilt disease. This disease is transmittable between a pine tree to another by the pine sawyer beetle.