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Old 03-26-2012, 08:32 PM
 
25 posts, read 82,574 times
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Can anyone tell me What is the best mulch to use in FL.? Is it true Black mulch burns up the plants? Do Hostas tolerate the heat and sun?
Any Info welcomed Thanks
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Old 03-26-2012, 11:08 PM
 
Location: Sarasota/ Bradenton - University Pkwy area
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Ah yes, you know it's spring in FL when you see the huge mountains of mulch stacked outside stores like Home Depot and Lowe's.

The most popular forms of mulch used in our part of FL are cypress and eucalyptus mulch. Both are resistant to termites.

A newer type of mulch, called mealeuca, is made from what is commonly called "punk" trees, which were imported from Australia and became a nuisance in FL. You are no longer allowed to plant them. This type of mulch is similar to cypress in resistance to termites.

Some people use pine bark, others use "red" mulch which is usually made from shredded (soft) pine pallets and colored red with iron oxide. I have had more than one pest inspector tell me not to use either of those types of much near the foundation of homes because they are more attractive to termites.

Most experts say to stay away from rubber mulch in our area.

If you need more detailed info, you can always contact the Sarasota county extension office at Sarasota County Extension Office - UF/IFAS Extension: Solutions for Your Life

They were a great source of information on what plants to grow, troubleshooting problems with plants, identifying bugs in our sod, etc when we first moved to Sarasota waaaaay back when.
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Old 03-27-2012, 04:59 AM
 
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I refuse to use Cypress mulch because the Cypress tree is a native tree in wet areas and is a very, very slow grower. 100 year old trees are being cut down in wetlands in order to be made into mulch.

Go with the Meleluca mulch since that tree is a pest tree that is bad for Florida and cutting those trees for mulch is a good thing.

You can get free mulch loads from the county recycle center/waste area..call Waste Mgt for info. they don't deliver so you have to go with a pickup to get a load.
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Old 03-27-2012, 08:01 AM
 
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I have a big ole pile o' mulch in my yard now that came from my big oak tree that split and fell. Going to take me months to use it up!

Before that I try to get the environmentally friendly stuff which I think they sell at the big box stores now? I have bought it from the small nursery near my home.
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Old 03-27-2012, 08:17 AM
 
Location: Wandering.
3,549 posts, read 6,662,576 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sware2cod View Post
You can get free mulch loads from the county recycle center/waste area..call Waste Mgt for info. they don't deliver so you have to go with a pickup to get a load.
They also offer it at several parks in Sarasota: Compost and Mulch: UF/IFAS Sarasota County Extension
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Old 03-27-2012, 10:34 PM
 
25 posts, read 82,574 times
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Thanks for all the Info I will be using the Links you all sent Thanks Again.
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Old 03-28-2012, 08:34 AM
 
Location: Port Charlotte, FL
3,979 posts, read 10,546,075 times
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If you are going to go with mulch, organic mulch is the best for the plants and the environment. There are pros and cons to different type of landscaping mulch, stones, shells, etc. Pest control companies say that mulch attracts termites and other insects. I went with stones because it is easier to care for and I don't have to keep replacing it like you do with the mulch.
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Old 03-28-2012, 08:50 PM
 
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TamRE do you get alot of weeds with the stone?
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Old 03-29-2012, 04:38 AM
 
Location: Port Charlotte, FL
3,979 posts, read 10,546,075 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by speedi2323 View Post
TamRE do you get alot of weeds with the stone?
I only get weeds in one section of my landscaping that is always in the shade. The rest of it I just have to pick a weed here and there, not really too bad. My parents just switched from mulch to stone and they had it professionally done. The company put down the weed barrier protection under the stone. We didn't do that. We just sprayed the area with weed killer and let it set for a couple of days before putting the stone down. Not sure what is the best way.
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