Mulch (Raleigh: for sale, house, landscaping)

[Grass Is Greener]

Any thoughts on the best mulch for our climate here in the Triangle? When I did the landscaping in my property last year I had mostly pine straw put in and I like the look of it. However it is turning out to be a pain of a HIGH MAINTENANCE, since I find myself having to "refill" it all the time

I also like the look of wood chips (not the red color type) but I guess it would be a lot more expensive than pine straw.

[mfrank2109]

Ah - the great mulch question. I would keep pine straw near the house and use shredded wood mulch or wood chips away from the house - termites. But I'm sure you'll get varying opinions.

[JohnE1000]

I like black died wood chips. It contrast nicely with the green lawn and the flowers. For hedges I user pine straws.

[SunnyKayak]

Alot of recycle centers carry mulch as well another option to consider.

I have also seen quite a few people using rubber mulch which is ok for decorative purpose but doesnt help the plants during the hot summers.

City of Raleigh | Compost, Mulch and Wood Chips For Sale (broken link)

[ducter]

I am also thinking about rubber mulch, for against the house or maybe stones. I also dont like organic mulch against the house. Any use rubber?

[tree guy]

As a landscape pro I have to say I don't really care for rubbermulch in the landscape. Mainly because I've never seen a rubber tree however for cost purposes in the long run and maintenance issues it does have its benefits. One thing to remember about rubber is that when lit it does burn and burn hot. I've tried and tested it myself and seen it does burn. That being said it does stay longer, look nice longer and is pleasent to walk on. It's great in playgrounds because when children fall they don't impact as hard if the installer has placed it to the proper thickness. For residential use. Bark mulch supplies organics which plants crave, sure it also retains moisture and right now moisture is important more than ever. Back to organics, with maintenance in mind and without any type of shrub fertilization program your plants with rubber mulch may starve over the 10 years or so rubber mulch lasts. Another option if you like the red color of pineneedles would be brick chips no bug worries and definately no fading issues but there again, no organics. Termite concerns are valid, they can be controlled with pesticide programs and proper aeration of you mulch. Termites like rotting wood and by flipping it every so often will keep your mulch looking fresher, control organics into the soil and make your mulch last longer. My biggest concern with natural mulch would be mold spores, when mold flowers and the spores are released they can leave unsightly discolorated spots on vinyl siding and metal trim. This is why most new car dealerships are shifting away from using wood mulch it damages the new cars. Hope this info helps at least some