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Landscape Mulches: How quickly do they settle?

Mary L. Duryea and Patrick J. Minogue

Release Date: 11/5/2020

Reviewed At: 12/5/2023

DOI: 10.32473/edis-fr052-2006

Agriculture

Abstract

This study compares the settling rates of six landscape mulches in Florida: cypress, eucalyptus, melaleuca, pine-bark, pine-straw, and utility-pruning mulch. Over two years, pine-straw settled the most, reducing to nearly nothing, while melaleuca settled the least, maintaining most of its original depth. The study highlights the importance of mulch replenishment to maintain benefits like weed control and soil moisture retention. The findings suggest melaleuca, pine-bark, and cypress as superior choices for long-term mulch effectiveness. First published October 1999.

About this Publication

This document is FOR 69, one of a series of the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date October 1999. Revised March 2014 and May 2017. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.

About the Authors

Mary L. Duryea, former associate dean for research & associate director, Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, and professor, School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences; and Patrick J. Minogue, associate professor of silviculture, UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center; UF/IFAS Extension, Ganiesville, 32611.

How to Cite

Duryea, M. L. (2006). Landscape Mulches: How quickly do they settle? EDIS, 2006(27). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-fr052-2006

Authors

Mary Duryea
Mary Duryea

professor emeritus, School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences; and former associate dean for research, director of Florida Agricultural Experiment Station

Patrick Minogue
Patrick Minogue
Contact
Specialist
University of Florida

associate professor of silviculture, School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences, UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center, Quincy, FL

View Patrick Minogue's Profile
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Publication #FOR 69

Eucalyptus grandis

Melaleuca quinquenervia