Lawn and Garden: Mulches
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English
Publications
Landscape Mulches: How quickly do they settle?
Mary L. Duryea and Patrick J. Minogue
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.
Mulching Herbs, Vegetables and Fruit Trees in the Florida-Friendly Edible Landscape
Tina McIntyre, Rachel Gutner, Tiare Saracino, Jacqlyn Rivas, Jacqlyn Rivas, Esen A. Momol, andEsen Momol
Mulching is the practice of spreading material around the base of a plant to protect the plant, conserving moisture or suppressing weeds. This is a guide for homeowners and professionals to reference best practices on mulching and discusses mulch sources, application techniques, and management practices. It will clarify the mulch needs of fruit trees, shrubs, herbs, and vegetables to promote plant health.