Which mulch is best for use in southern California?

Someone recommended shredded cedar bark; another recommended cocoa nutshells. I've been told Gorilla hair. I would like to purchase the mulch, not make my own.

If possible, I'd like an orange color. Asked by Tomayto 38 months ago Similar questions: mulch southern California Home > Patio, Lawn & Garden.

Rubber mulch is the best. Mulches are materials placed over the soil surface to maintain moisture and improve soil conditions. Mulching is one of the most beneficial things a home owner can do for the health of a tree.

Mulch can reduce water loss from the soil, minimize weed competition, and improve soil structure. Properly applied, mulch can give landscapes a handsome, well-groomed appearance. Mulch must be applied properly; if it is too deep or if the wrong material is used, it can actually cause significant harm to trees and other landscape plants.

Benefits of Proper MulchingHelps maintain soil moisture. Evaporation is reduced, and the need for watering can be minimized. Helps control weeds.

A 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch will reduce the germination and growth of weeds. Mulch serves as nature’s insulating blanket. Mulch keeps soils warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

Many types of mulch can improve soil aeration, structure (aggregation of soil particles), and drainage over time. Some mulches can improve soil fertility. A layer of mulch can inhibit certain plant diseases.

Mulching around trees helps facilitate maintenance and can reduce the likelihood of damage from “weed whackers” or the dreaded “lawn mower blight. ” Mulch can give planting beds a uniform, well-cared-for look. Trees growing in a natural forest environment have their roots anchored in a rich, well-aerated soil full of essential nutrients.

The soil is blanketed by leaves and organic materials that replenish nutrients and provide an optimal environment for root growth and mineral uptake. Urban landscapes, however, are typically a much harsher environment with poor soils, little organic matter, and large fluctuations in temperature and moisture. Applying a 2- to 4-inch layer of organic mulch can mimic a more natural environment and improve plant health.

The root system of a tree is not a mirror image of the top. The roots of most trees can extend out a significant distance from the tree trunk. Although the guideline for many maintenance practices is the drip line—the outermost extension of the canopy—the roots can grow many times that distance.In addition, most of the fine, absorbing roots are located within inches of the soil surface.

These roots, which are essential for taking up water and minerals, require oxygen to survive. A thin layer of mulch, applied as broadly as practical, can improve the soil structure, oxygen levels, temperature, and moisture availability where these roots grow. Types of Mulch Mulches are available commercially in many forms.

The two major types of mulch are inorganic and organic. Inorganic mulches include various types of stone, lava rock, pulverized rubber, geotextile fabrics, and other materials. Inorganic mulches do not decompose and do not need to be replenished often.

On the other hand, they do not improve soil structure, add organic materials, or provide nutrients. For these reasons, most horticulturists and arborists prefer organic mulches. Organic mulches include wood chips, pine needles, hardwood and softwood bark, cocoa hulls, leaves, compost mixes, and a variety of other products usually derived from plants.

Organic mulches decompose in the landscape at different rates depending on the material and climate. Those that decompose faster must be replenished more often. Because the decomposition process improves soil quality and fertility, many arborists and other landscape professionals consider that characteristic a positive one, despite the added maintenance.

Sources: http://www.socalrubbermulch.com/ .

I would choose different mulches depending on what I was trying to mulch. In SoCal, a fire-resistant mulch might be a good idea, too.

Tomayto replied to post #1: 2 Thanks for your question. I would be using the mulch as a complete ground cover. There are date palms and I plan to put in succulents, cacti.

I've heard that succulents/cacti do better with rock around them. If so, then the mulch would just be for ground cover up to the rock.

Thanks for your question. I would be using the mulch as a complete ground cover. There are date palms and I plan to put in succulents, cacti.

I've heard that succulents/cacti do better with rock around them. If so, then the mulch would just be for ground cover up to the rock.

3 I had a succulent/cactus garden at my home in AZ. They were mulched with rock as was my entire front yard. I was actually going to suggest that to you... cover the whole area with crushed rock.It's excellent mulch, it won't blow or wash away (as long as it's big enough) and it won't burn.

Rock looks good under palms, too. Kind of like a desert theme.

I had a succulent/cactus garden at my home in AZ. They were mulched with rock as was my entire front yard. I was actually going to suggest that to you... cover the whole area with crushed rock.It's excellent mulch, it won't blow or wash away (as long as it's big enough) and it won't burn.

Rock looks good under palms, too. Kind of like a desert theme.

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