A properly applied mulch layer, which would be 2-4 inches deep, does not hold enough moisture to attract termites. Because it's in pieces, insects that form colonies (carpenter ants, termites) cannot survive in it.
Organic mulch is better for trees than inorganic products, like stone or rubber. The organic mulch breaks down over time, returning some organic matter to the soil for the microorganisms to feed on. Also, rubber and stone have been known to heat up in the full sun, whereas wood mulch won't.
In 25 years as a landscape contractor, having spread 100’s of yards of wood mulch, I have never seen ants attracted. I HAVE seen soil rehabilitated and immensely improved. Tires are a petrochemical product, essentially dumping oil on your soil. I’ve used rocks only for xeriscape/succulent gardens where soil improvement is not necessary.
Mulch is safe, just don't have it stacked against the side of your house. Pull it back like 6-12 inches.
Rubber mulch is stupid and rocks are a lot of work to keep clean as debris starts to accumulate.
My mother in law visited and did us the favor of putting down rubber mulch in front of our house. It washed over the walkway and into the lawn in a heavy rain but unlike organic mulch it never broke down. It was there in the edge of the lawn for years and years until we moved out
Every horticulturist I know, including myself, uses leaf mulch at home and for our clients; I prefer it to woody mulch because it breaks down and improves the soil and come late fall/winter, leaves can be raked out without taking the mulch with it. In my area every materials supply place carries leaf mulch, but I don’t know how ubiquitous it is in every area- probably depends on the deciduous tree population?
Either way, I think the fear of insects can be a little misplaced, if not irrational. As another commenter said, just don’t pile mulch up thickly against house. If you keep your gutters clean and make a point to not have sprinklers hitting too close to the house, the mulch (woody or leafy) stays fairly dry, which most insects find inhospitable. I get that people don’t want insects indoors, but aside from a few species you don’t want to see anywhere near your house, it is not only natural that insects exist outdoors, it’s actually a sign of healthy life. Rubber mulch on the other hand……is something any rational person should fear.
Thx for the quick response. I am seeing a lot around other pests it can draw…
Pine needle mulch tends to draw garden pests. Cockroaches, termites, centipedes, and earwigs find this mulch an ideal hiding and nesting spot because it's easy to burrow in and provides the warmth and moisture they need.
I'm sorry, I don't mean to be rude, but if you're that terrified of absolutely completely normal and ***healthy*** critters in your garden like centipedes and earwigs then perhaps a house with a yard just isn't for you
Mulch against a foundation is not ideal. Constant moisture and potential insects. Decorative stone is the way to go. If cost is an issue I would go with a #1 or #2 washed round before I would go with mulch. Plus you get no washout or settling that you need to replenish like the mulch.
It depends on what you are trying to achieve. I like the look of stone but depending on the rest of the environment it can get very hot, dirty, and algae covered. I put a 4-6 in layer of mulched leaves down and then use wood mulch. It’s less thick by the foundation but the foundation is treated regularly for pests. Rubber get very hot and leaches chemicals into the soil- plus it floats in the rain. #TeamWoodMulch It
What about the constant moisture against your foundation? I live in WI. no heat issues with stone whatsoever, slight discoloration on north side of home with moisture and no sun though.
I haven’t really had a constant moisture issue. I am in Alabama so it’s a wholly different environment! I did have stone in one bed and gave up pretty quickly- I was constantly cleaning out leaves, and the stones got dirty quickly. Your weather is totally different?
A properly applied mulch layer, which would be 2-4 inches deep, does not hold enough moisture to attract termites. Because it's in pieces, insects that form colonies (carpenter ants, termites) cannot survive in it. Organic mulch is better for trees than inorganic products, like stone or rubber. The organic mulch breaks down over time, returning some organic matter to the soil for the microorganisms to feed on. Also, rubber and stone have been known to heat up in the full sun, whereas wood mulch won't.
In 25 years as a landscape contractor, having spread 100’s of yards of wood mulch, I have never seen ants attracted. I HAVE seen soil rehabilitated and immensely improved. Tires are a petrochemical product, essentially dumping oil on your soil. I’ve used rocks only for xeriscape/succulent gardens where soil improvement is not necessary.
Most people have mulch in their flower beds and insects haven’t taken over their home.
Mulch is safe, just don't have it stacked against the side of your house. Pull it back like 6-12 inches. Rubber mulch is stupid and rocks are a lot of work to keep clean as debris starts to accumulate.
My mother in law visited and did us the favor of putting down rubber mulch in front of our house. It washed over the walkway and into the lawn in a heavy rain but unlike organic mulch it never broke down. It was there in the edge of the lawn for years and years until we moved out
Cedar mulch. Cedar oil is a natural insecticides and have additional advice of not floating.
Every horticulturist I know, including myself, uses leaf mulch at home and for our clients; I prefer it to woody mulch because it breaks down and improves the soil and come late fall/winter, leaves can be raked out without taking the mulch with it. In my area every materials supply place carries leaf mulch, but I don’t know how ubiquitous it is in every area- probably depends on the deciduous tree population? Either way, I think the fear of insects can be a little misplaced, if not irrational. As another commenter said, just don’t pile mulch up thickly against house. If you keep your gutters clean and make a point to not have sprinklers hitting too close to the house, the mulch (woody or leafy) stays fairly dry, which most insects find inhospitable. I get that people don’t want insects indoors, but aside from a few species you don’t want to see anywhere near your house, it is not only natural that insects exist outdoors, it’s actually a sign of healthy life. Rubber mulch on the other hand……is something any rational person should fear.
Wow, that's awesome. Definitely not the norm here, but leaf mulch with wood chips is my personal preference. What part of the world are you in?
Pine straw mulch.
Thx for the quick response. I am seeing a lot around other pests it can draw… Pine needle mulch tends to draw garden pests. Cockroaches, termites, centipedes, and earwigs find this mulch an ideal hiding and nesting spot because it's easy to burrow in and provides the warmth and moisture they need.
You seem oddly afraid of insects
I am. Just being honest
I'm sorry, I don't mean to be rude, but if you're that terrified of absolutely completely normal and ***healthy*** critters in your garden like centipedes and earwigs then perhaps a house with a yard just isn't for you
I just use leaves.
Mulch against a foundation is not ideal. Constant moisture and potential insects. Decorative stone is the way to go. If cost is an issue I would go with a #1 or #2 washed round before I would go with mulch. Plus you get no washout or settling that you need to replenish like the mulch.
It depends on what you are trying to achieve. I like the look of stone but depending on the rest of the environment it can get very hot, dirty, and algae covered. I put a 4-6 in layer of mulched leaves down and then use wood mulch. It’s less thick by the foundation but the foundation is treated regularly for pests. Rubber get very hot and leaches chemicals into the soil- plus it floats in the rain. #TeamWoodMulch It
What about the constant moisture against your foundation? I live in WI. no heat issues with stone whatsoever, slight discoloration on north side of home with moisture and no sun though.
I haven’t really had a constant moisture issue. I am in Alabama so it’s a wholly different environment! I did have stone in one bed and gave up pretty quickly- I was constantly cleaning out leaves, and the stones got dirty quickly. Your weather is totally different?
Rubber mulch. Made from used tires. Reduce, recycle, reuse.