cypress mulch problem? Cypress mulch is marketed as a termite- and decay-resistant form of soil protection. Does Cypress Mulch Keep Bugs Away From a House? Cypress mulch is a term that refers to a mulch made from shredded cypress trees. Joined Nov 27, 2011 Messages 63. In fact, cypress mulch is more acidic than hardwood mulch, meaning that it can cause problems for plants that don’t prefer acidic soil. This tendency to wash away means you would have to replace cypress mulch more frequently than other mulches. Cypress garden mulch is generally less expensive than many other organic mulches, and adds nutrients to the soil as it decomposes. It repels water more readily than most pine mulches and is more likely to be washed away in areas with heavy rainfall or flooding. If you already have a termite problem, take care of it with a natural treatment before adding a ton of mulch to your yard and keep mulch 6-12 inches from your foundation to avoid issues. For example, contrary to reports you might see in commerce, cypress mulch is no better than other wood chips at keeping down weeds and insects. When organic mulch is placed too close to your house, it can provide pests with hidden opportunities to make their way into your home. All parts of the tree are used, even the parts containing the essential oil. One of the purposes of mulch is to help the ground retain moisture. They lock moisture in the soil, keep weeds down and, ultimately, decompose into the soil and improve it. We shall discuss the pros and cons of each in detail to make it easy for you to choose. It naturally repels insects and has natural fungus resistance. It can be chopped dead leaves, dried grass clippings or organic compost. Another mulch that has repellent affect on termites is the Cyprus Pine mulch and this takes a bit longer to break down again and it doesn't contain any nitrogen or nutrients at all. Putting wood chips mulch in your yard won’t start a termite problem. Some people use shredded newspapers, gravel or plastic sheeting. In Florida alone, thousands of acres of cypress swamps are being harvested for mulch each year. nutans). If you use pine, cedar, or cypress wood chips for your garden and flowerbeds, then you will help to reduce the flea populations that might be present on your property. I spread it all out from the bed of my pickup into an ATV dump trailer, so it worked pretty well. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. It has good water holding capacity but again, it can knit together over time, creating a … Unfortunately, cypress is a bad choice of mulching material due to the environmental impact of harvesting cypress trees and the detrimental effect the mulch can have on your yard. Because dry cypress mulch often repels water, it ends up floating on top of water and can be carried away during rains. Fresh cypress mulch has an attractive, natural wood color as well as a pleasing scent. It is long lasting like cedar. This mulch is a good allrounder. Cypress mulch is made from bald cypress trees (Taxodium distichum) and pond cypress trees (Taxodium distichum var. Unfortunately, logging has taken its toll on the cypress population. There are certain trees that do an excellent job of repelling pests naturally. A chip or bark mulch is produced using cypress or cedar trees and is useful for repelling mosquitoes. Remember some mulches prevent and eliminate termites! Mulch is a beautiful thing, usually.. Mulch is any type of material, either organic or inorganic, that is put atop soil in the garden or landscape to suppress weeds and conserve moisture.Generally speaking, it is one of the gardener’s most prized tools, but on occasion you may incur mulch problems … The trees are ground into chips or shredded. Cypress Mulch is an aesthetically pleasing, light colored mulch that is also aromatic. Nov 28, 2011 #1 torti New Member. But, so are most mulches. Most gardeners swear by organic mulch because it is a better choice. Hi, I'm new and I had my sully for about 3 months now. Gardening experts do not recommend using this type of mulch because its harvest depletes cypress wetlands. Mulch Problems. Roots in search of oxygen and water sometimes grow into excess mulch. It is also an effective mulch in preventing weed growth. People prefer the "fresh" look of new mulch and top dress annually, not considering the existing mulch depth," she said. Her articles have appeared in Entrepreneur and Your Home magazines. When cypress mulch is saturated with water, it is heavier and does a better job of staying in place. Plant Problems Caused by too Much Mulch. Italian cypress trees have several built-in issues. This makes cypress mulch a bad choice in areas subject to heavy or frequent rains. In the long run, leaves and straw from your yard or compost are usually better mulch choices for your plants. Over time, mulch can accumulate to depths of five, six or more inches causing plant problems. Like most mulches, cypress mulch prevents weeds, helps the ground hold moisture and protects tender roots from temperature extremes. A: Cypress mulch won’t hurt your roses but I hope you won’t buy any more of it. It looks a lot like cedar mulch … Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Many of the claims of its superiority turn out to be myths. One of the causes of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina was that cypress swamps between New Orleans and the Gulf of Mexico had been cleared by loggers. Aesthetics and Acidity "Those that decompose faster must be replenished more often. Cypress trees grow mainly in the swampy lowlands of Florida and Louisiana, where they serve as an integral part of the wetland ecosystem. The average cypress tree needs 100 years to reach full maturity, making it a very slowly-renewable resource. The trees are ground into chips or shredded. When cypress mulch becomes dry, it tends to repel water rather than absorb it. The use of this product could actually decrease the country’s cypress forests. The trees also provide both habitat and refuge for a variety of wildlife. Cypress Pine Mulch. Cypress mulch tends to wash away more easily than many other mulches. 5 Year Member. They are key elements in wetlands and provide protections from storms. Mulch is any product you use on top of the soil to protect the roots of your plants. Cypress forests are critical to the ecosystems of southern states such as Florida and Louisiana. But cypress mulch is not a good conveyor of water or moisture because its very fibrous. Although some people like the weathered silver-gray color of cypress mulch, others prefer the original, darker color. As to the problem with knees, most cypress trees planted in well-drained landscapes do … Drue Tibbits is a writer based in Central Florida, where she attended Florida Southern College. Many gardeners haven’t read up on cypress mulch information and, therefore, don’t know the benefits of this organic product – or the risks of using it. Non-native plants often invade where the cypresses grew, forcing wildlife to migrate elsewhere for shelter and food. The best mulches are organic and accomplish many jobs in the garden. 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