All you need to know about

mulch

Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services.

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department  of  Agriculture, Director of Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma. This publication is printed and issued by Oklahoma State University as authorized by the Vice President, Dean, and Director of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and has been prepared and distributed at a cost of $1.75 per copy. Revised 0714 MG.

Squeeze every drop

The City of Oklahoma City has partnered with Oklahoma State University’s Department of Horticulture and Landscape

Architecture and Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service to help promote outdoor water

conservation.

For more information about how you can save water outdoors

check out these websites: squeezeeverydrop.comthinkwater.okstate.edu

sip.mesonet.org

The City of

OKLAHOMA CITYUTILITIES DEPARTMENT

Oklahoma Cooperative Extension ServiceDivision of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

Oklahoma State University

L-436

Benefits of mulch Types of mulch

• Creates an attractive landscape.• Reduces soil moisture loss so you can

water less.• Regulates soil temperature, which

insulates and protects plants.• Prevents soil compaction and erosion.• Protects plants from soil-borne

diseases.• Prevents weed seeds from germinating.• Prevents trunk damage from weed

whackers and lawn mowers.• Provides a home for beneficial

organisms like earthworms.• Organic mulch increases soil tilth

as it decomposes.

Proper mulching• Add mulch to a depth of 2 to 3 inches

near plants. • Avoid mounding mulch around trees

because it can cause trunk rot.• Mulch may need to be replaced as it

breaks down or washes away.• Apply coarse texture mulches at a

3-inch depth and fine texture mulches at a 2-inch depth.

Types of organic mulch Advantages Disadvantages Comments

Dyed mulch Long lasting Supplier uses available wood, dye fades

Retain moisture, decrease weed growth

Shredded bark, bark chips Long lasting, does not easily blow away May float in the rain Works well for walkways

Wood chips, shavings Long lasting, readily available

Color and texture may not be uniform

Increases organic matter as it breaks down

Eastern red cedar mulchLong lasting, can be purchased from local companies

May be difficult to findSupports the local economy, more sustainable than cypress mulch

Cocoa-bean hulls Attractive dark brown color

May be cost prohibitive and attracts pets

Smell like chocolate and de-compose within a season

LeavesEasy to find, may be composted and used as a soil amendment

UnattractiveComposting or shredding leaves recycles nutrients and saves landfill space

Pine needlesDoes not easily wash away, allows air and water to infiltrate

May be difficult to find.Does not create a crust, remains loose allowing water to infiltrate

Straw Protects plants in the winter

Easily blown away, may introduce weeds

May be more suitable for a vegetable garden

Grass clippingsGreat mulch for the lawn, provides nitro-gen

Do not spread clippings around plants after chemical application

Use a mulching lawn mower. Don’t bag it, recycle your grass clippings

Pecan hullsSlow to decompose, work well for acid lov-ing plants

May be cost prohibitive Easy to find in Oklahoma