Cypress Mulching

Sources

• In the past, cypress mulch was a by-product of the harvest of old-growth cypress trees in Louisiana and Florida. The bark of the trees was collected and shredded for mulch, while the wood was used for lumber. However, as the supply of old-growth trees has dwindled, younger trees have been harvested, sometimes being used in their entirety for mulch.

Advantages and Disadvantages

• Like any mulch, cypress mulch provides an insulating layer on garden beds, helping to moderate soil temperatures and retain moisture. Cypress mulch is often thought to have unique insect-repellent qualities, but opponents argue that mulch from young trees does nothing to repel termites and other insects. As an organic addition to the soil, bark mulch alone does not contain the proper mix of nutrients to benefit plants as it decomposes and may in fact prevent plants from being able to adequately use nitrogen in the soil.

Controversy

• Those opposed to the harvest of cypress trees argue that the loss of cypress forests has a devastating environmental impact, destabilizing coastal wetlands and removing a natural buffer against the effects of hurricanes. Environmental groups have pressured retailers to stop selling cypress mulch from particular areas of Louisiana. Though some retailers have agreed, the precise source of mulch can be hard to determine, and environmentalists argue that retailers are not going far enough to protect cyprus forests.

Alternatives

• The National Wildlife Federation recommends that gardeners consider alternatives to cypress mulch. Organic compost made from home and garden waste is an inexpensive alternative that nourishes plants as it protects them when used as a top dressing on garden beds. Shredded fallen leaves are similarly convenient and cheap, as are grass clippings and other types of readily available yard waste. Gardeners who want to use bark mulch should choose mulch from sustainable, farm-grown pine trees.