Does putting bark mulch over beds create soil changes?

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suemom101 Vancouver, Canada Oct 23, 2007

Hi all - I'm new at this, and have planted many new perennials in the front yard of my new home. Prior to that, there was invasive ground cover ALL OVER, which we had to spray to remove, and it still is poking up once in awhile. We got a load of topsoil, and spread that all over. I like the look of the large nuggets of bark mulch, but since it is cedar (isn't it?), wouldn't that change the PH of the soil, and maybe not be as friendly to all the new plants? Thanks Sue

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dax080 Cedar Rapids, IA(Zone 5a) Oct 23, 2007

Hi, Sue - Your bark mulch isn't necessarily cedar - in my experience, if in bags, it will say if it is cedar and most are not. Even in bulk, it would be identified as cedar. The less expensive types of mulch are not, so you should be fine with it, and it will protect and enrich your soil wonderfully, and the plants will be VERY happy (and the weeds will get mostly smothered)! Dax

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suemom101 Vancouver, Canada Oct 24, 2007

Thanks very much for your help, Dax. Sue

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missingrosie Hillsborough, NC(Zone 7b) Oct 24, 2007

Hi Sue
Wear gloves and long sleeves. Sometimes the hardwood mulch will have poison ivy, etc. mixed in it ..gathered from the harvest. I am not sure but I think this is less of a problem with the nuggets as compared to the shredded hardwood mulch.

Also, as Dax said the plants will love it. Be sure not to overdo as too much mulch can be as bad as too little or none.

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Bonniesews Clermont, FL Oct 29, 2007

Hi Sue,
Here in Fla. mulch can be purchased in bulk or bag and you can choose oak chips, pine bark nuggets, volcanic rock or rubber mulch. Mulch helps retain moisture around plants however I was warned not to place mulch right up to shrub stems as it can smoother them. After it decomposes over time usually a year it can change the soil so a soil test is a good idea to keep the plants happy and growing. I plant by the old saying, right plant, right place and it works for me. Good luck with your landscaping.

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