Wood Chip Mulch

**Durgan** · 12-26-2011, 10:36 AM

14 September 2009 Wood Chip Mulch 14 September 2009 Wood Chip Mulch
Over the last three years, I have become an advocate of mulch on all my garden beds. This wood mulch is supplied by the city available in one of the parks. It varies a bit in texture depending when one picks it up.

In my case the soil about two feet down is hard packed material,which is almost impenetrable, so there is no wick effect from ground table water. All my moisture comes from overhead water or rain if you like, so drying out is often encountered.The mulch disintegrates rather quickly, and I am constantly adding a new layer. This no doubt improves the soil to a large degree.

The mulch inhibits evaporation and enhances growth considerably,hence little extra watering is necessary. I have four 45 gallon drums to collect rainwater and utilize this in extreme dry conditions, but avoid watering as much as possible.

**mndtrp** · 12-26-2011, 05:47 PM

I agree. The recycling center near my house has a tree branch recycling program. I try to stop by when they have chopped up deciduous trees, as I don't like the large chunks conifers result in. The deciduous trees have a far more uniform and pleasing appearance.

My mulch doesn't come with a puppy, though.

**Durgan** · 12-26-2011, 07:20 PM

Originally Posted by tylermj23

I like making my own mulch, and mulch really helps to keep the moisture in our dry texas soil.

I require about 12 cubic yards of mulch per year. Very difficult to make that amount from my small property.

Straw has been experimented with, but it is too difficult to work around.

Of course, one uses what is readily available.

**Durgan** · 12-26-2011, 07:23 PM

Originally Posted by mndtrp

I agree. The recycling center near my house has a tree branch recycling program. I try to stop by when they have chopped up deciduous trees, as I don't like the large chunks conifers result in. The deciduous trees have a far more uniform and pleasing appearance.

My mulch doesn't come with a puppy, though.

Ginny is not for sale. She is like a sugar high kid all day long, but sleeps soundly at night just like a contented baby.

**Winkie** · 12-26-2011, 09:30 PM

What fun to start thinking about mulch! We are due for our first sticking snow tomorrow... Much rather think about mulch. We get our mulch from the county solid waste management. They grind up all the leaves collected & let it compost all year. They also grind up the Christmas trees & other yard waste for a chunkier mulch. I use the chunky stuff on the flowers & the leave mulch on the garden. They charge us $7.50 for a load in our small Ranger. It's a great deal. I also make compost, but can't make enough for my needs.