using "bark nuggets" as mulch

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guosui Bakersfield, CA May 27, 2009

I got some Earthgro All Natural Bark Nuggets from Home Depot. They're red and smell like redwood but for some reason are not described as such. The wrapper cautions against using them "around undeveloped plants, directly against tree trunks, or within several inches of house foundations or other wood structures." What is the reason for the restrictions on use? Do they encourage --horror of horrors -- termite infestation? I want to use them around my newly planted miniature roses, which were sold in pint-sized containers, the Nature's Gallery Valentine and Cupido minis sold at OSH. Would this harm the roses? I wouldn't say they're undeveloped since they're already blossoming. Also, is there any type of wood mulch that can be used near a house foundation, preferably redwood colored?

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Smokey_SC Piedmont, SC(Zone 7b) May 27, 2009

You should always keep wood mulch at least 6 inches from your foundation. This was told to me by my Terminix man.

This message was edited May 27, 2009 6:37 PM

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ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) May 28, 2009

And you're also not supposed to pile mulch of any sort right up next to tree trunks since it can encourage rot. So the tree trunks and the house foundation are normal warnings that should go along with any sort of mulch. If you want mulch up near your foundation, you'll have to go with some sort of inorganic mulch (such as rocks or the rubber stuff made from recycled tires)

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wendyloo66 Stevensville, MT(Zone 4b) May 28, 2009

I read in the newspaper this morning that "all natural" mulch's are not treated by heat to kill any disease organisms, so you don't want this next to undeveloped plants................

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guosui Bakersfield, CA May 28, 2009

Thanks, everyone. They really should explain that on the label about the termites and other disease-causing organisms, but then they wouldn't sell as much, of course.

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gcorrier Lenoir City, TN May 30, 2009

As for wood mulch that will not draw bugs Cedar is the best bet. More expensive.

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