Since my container garden was pulverized by hail I am going to replant ASAP and wonder if using the Mulch that is from city wide trees made by the citys recycled division would be ok to try to improve drainage. Probably it is mostly mesquite trees, but probably has other locals like mulberry, elm, hackberry and xmas trees mixed in. Thought about mixing it half and half with the old compost that is just like heavy dirt, plus a little alfalfa pellets, epsom salt and watered with weak compost tea. Any thoughts? Kathy in Texas
City offered free mulch
My experience proved that If the mulch is from live trees, it will mold - I tried it once and it made a mess of my plants and soil - mulch needs to be 'seasoned/dried' before using.
Interesting. So, if I get mulch that has been sitting in this Texas heat and less than 20% humidity, over 100 degrees for past two weeks most days, might it be dried out enough? This mix of mulch would have both live and dead trees in it. I also wonder if it makes a difference which kind of trees, and maybe you could wet it with chamomile tea, lay it out and after it dries then use is more safely. I could also get the city guy to perhaps reshred the mulch to dry it out more. Might can test the mulch pile for heat, as if it were too green it might start to compost as well. They might even turn the piles of mulch to reduce the fire hazard of too hot piles. Soo much to think about and I really appreciate this response, Kay. Thanks! Kathy
It will most likely already have string mold growing in it. There is a dump site across the street from me, where the city dumps 'mulch' - it's been there a loooooooonggggg time and has live string mold in it. You might test it on a plant that you aren't crazy about and see if it works.
Can you see string mold? This mulch is kept on pavement and moved with back loaders quite a bit. They appear to use it on all the city trees and shrubs in the parks and on the streets, but that is not planting with it mixed in the soil as far as I know. After xmas they have mulch that is made exclusively from xmas trees, but I would think that it would be chock full of chemicals that I dont want my food growing in. Perhaps I need to just take a load of dead for a while trees and have them mulch them for me. I could maybe have the mulcher/shredder shoot it directly into he truck. Hubby works for the city zoo so has a working relationship with the parks people. If this mulch is not ok to mix into the soil is it ok to use on the tops of the containers as long as it does not touch the leaves. sounds like this mulch might be a no win situation. A shame, being free and ecofriendly and all. Kathy
Yes, if there is string mold you will find it when you lift up the top layer of mulch - it looks just like string.
here in orlando at our dump they offer free compost our ag division recommended it to my neighbor but you shovel it lol and in this heat i will wait but you can come and get as much as you want for free.
Blond I assume alot of the bigger cities are offering this service. I am in Texas where we have heat as well but probably different trees in the mix. Wish there was a way to know for sure if it is safe. Thanks, Kathy