What Is Cypress Mulch Used for?

Uses

• Cypress mulch is used around the base of landscape trees and flower beds. When used as a weed suppressant and to conserve water, it works like other mulches. Cypress mulch is useful for snake-keepers as it lacks the irritating oils and other properties of some other mulch types.

Alternatives

• If you're after an alternative to cypress tree mulch, try using pine, eucalyptus, composted weeds, grass clippings, mushroom compost, pine straw, leaves or a combination of all these. If you're set on using cypress mulch and cannot find a sustainably grown kind, try mulching first with newspapers, old pizza boxes, landscape fabric or some other recycled product; simply add a thinner layer of cypress mulch on top for aesthetic purposes. Prevent the mulch from washing away by installing a wood frame around your flower beds.

Cypress Trees in the Wild

• The shedding leaves and fallen, rotting trees add nutrients to the water and ground around the trees. The tree knees that stick out of the water aid the trees in absorbing oxygen. The knees also provide important habitat for fish, invertebrates, birds, as well as other life.

Considerations

• Whenever in doubt, use a different product as mulch. Keep in mind, though, that some of these cypress mulch and lumber companies are small, family-run American businesses. They practice sustainable cypress growing and harvesting. Keeping their own forests healthy is key to their businesses thriving. Instead of blacklisting all cypress mulch use, choose only sustainably harvested cypress for your mulch and lumber needs.