Hardwood Bark Mulch Q & A

Q. Does hardwood bark mulch attract termites?

A. This is probably our number one asked question. The answer is no. Termites in Illinois are subterranean. They are only attracted to wood that is below the earth's surface. Since mulch is used above ground is does not attract them. Also, our "bark" mulches are made from the bark on the trees and not the white wood that termites like to dine on.

Q. Does hardwood bark mulch draw bugs?

 
A. Any organic material has the capability of drawing insects or bugs. 

This is not bad though because it is a part of the natural scheme of things. The mulch will not attract any more bugs or insects than would normally already be there.

Q. Is your mulch treated?

A. No, we do not treat our mulches with any chemicals. The materials used to produce the mulch are all organic. In very dry weather we recommend that when you water your plants also water down your mulch. This will reduce the chance of a fire hazard and it also helps hold moisture in for your plants well being.

Q. What's the difference between hardwood bark mulch, hardwood mulch, and colored mulch?

A. Hardwood "bark" mulch is made from the bark that comes off of hardwood trees when they are taken to the sawmills. Hardwood mulch can be any mulch containing any kind of hardwood. It can be bark and white wood or just the white wood. Colored mulch is usually made from ground up waste wood or pallets. This wood fiber material is dyed with a colorant to create a rainbow of colors. 

Q. How often will I need to mulch?

A. This will depend on what kind of mulch you get and how fresh you like your landscape to look. To keep "bark" mulches looking fresh, you will need to mulch once every year since they tend to break down quicker, enriching the soil below. Colored mulches may fade. To keep them looking good you may need to top-dress them once every year. Top dressing is applying about an inch of material on top of existing material.

Q. Sometimes I get mold on top of mulch. What is it and is it harmful?

A. When it gets very hot and humid a fungus sometimes grows on top of mulch. It looks yellowish brown in color and can be unpleasant to look at. It can easily be gotten rid of by hitting it with a hoe or with a blast of water from a hose. This fungus is not harmful.

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