by johnah on November 3, 2020
What Is Cypress Mulch?
Cypress is a hardwood tree native to tropical Asia. It grows up to 30 feet tall and produces large, dense, dark green leaves with several leaflets per leaflet. Its wood is soft and light grayish brown in color, but it may have a reddish or purple hue when dried out. It is used for furniture, flooring, baskets, paper products and other crafts.
The bark of the cypress tree contains strong acids which cause the plant to rot easily if not properly treated. When the sap drips from a dead cypress trunk onto the ground, it turns into a sticky substance called “carpage.” Carpets made from carpenter’s glue are one way to make carpentry projects easier.
Other ways include using the pulp of the cypress tree to make soap, toothpaste and medicine.
Cypress is often used in construction materials because it resists decay better than many other woods. It does not stain well and can be painted over with water soluble paints.
It is also resistant to insects and rodents, making it ideal for homes where animals will not damage valuable items such as paintings or china.
How To Use Cypress Mulch For Vegetable Gardening?
Cypress mulch is a very popular choice for organic gardening and using natural materials in the landscape. It is made from cutting and chipping the branches of the cypress tree. The chips are then boiled to soften them up and then turned into shavings, which can be used in flower beds and vegetable gardens. They retain a lot of moisture and slowly release it back into the soil as it dries out. The mulch is dark brown in color and has a very pleasant smell.
The shavings look nice and are easy to spread in the flower bed or garden. They also have an organic look and provide nutrients to the soil as they slowly break down.
It can even be used as a cheap solution for fencing in your garden or yard, keeping out kids, pets or wild animals.
What Are Some Advantages Of Cypress For The Landscape?
Cypress mulch is a very attractive landscape material. It is easy to spread and looks amazing in flower beds and vegetable gardens. The chips are dark brown with a light brown hue, and they are soft to touch. The cypress is a renewable resource and it does not need to be treated or dyed which makes it very attractive to those who are environmentally conscious.
The tree itself is drought resistant and can survive in dry conditions. It also repels many insects and does not attract termites.
It grows very slowly and can live up to 1,000 years.
Where Is Cypress Mulch Available?
Cypress chips are easy to find at nurseries and garden centers. They are available in 40 lb bags and should be stored in a dry area until you are ready to use them. You can also find bags of cypress mulch at pottery supply stores. While these mulches are a little more expensive, they tend to be much finer and compost much quicker.
Tips For Using Cypress Mulch In Your Garden
Cypress mulch is easy to use in your vegetable garden. Spread the chips over the soil, or layer them two inches deep for flowers.
Spread the mulch evenly and make sure all the weeds are pulled before you cover the soil. After spreading the chips, lightly water them so they settle into the soil. Spread the mulch in the late afternoon so it can settle overnight.
Cypress mulch is a great organic choice for your vegetable garden and flower beds. It is attractive and easy to use.
Spread it evenly over the soil around your plants and flowers and keep the soil moist until the mulch settles in place. Create a moat of mulch around your plants to prevent weed growth and use it to line pathways. Spread it two inches deep for flowers and one to two inches deep for vegetables like tomatoes.
Sources & references used in this article:
Landscape Mulches: What Are The Choices in Florida? by ML Duryea – 2001 – egovlink.com
Evaluation of landscape mulches by JM Stinson, GH Brinen, DB McConnell… – Proceedings of the …, 1990 – journals.flvc.org
Effects of mulch type and fertilizer placement on weed growth and soil pH and nutrient content by TK Broschat – HortTechnology, 2007 – journals.ashs.org
Categories:
Tags:
No Tag
Post navigation
Previous post Vitamin C For Chlorine Removal – Using Ascorbic Acid For Chlorine Absorption
Post navigation
Next post What Is Miticide: Tips On How To Use Miticide On Plants