Types of Cypress Mulch

Cypress Mulch Production

• Cypress mulch is made from the Bald Cypress and the Pond Cypress trees grown in Florida wetlands. Cypress lumber is regularly used in fencing, flooring and furniture building. The mulch usually comes from the waste wood from the lumber production and from the manufacture of cypress products. However, full trees are also harvested for the sole purpose of adding to the mulch production.

Types

• Different types of cypress mulch serve different purposes. Cypress mulch is available in a shredded form, as chips, colored or in a no-float type. Shredded cypress mulch is usually a combination of wood and bark, shredded into small pieces. The chips are larger, square-cut pieces of cypress, popular for use on playgrounds. Colored cypress mulch may be shredded or chips and has been treated with a plant-safe colored dye for a more decorative appearance. The no-float cypress mulch undergoes a patented process to prevent it from floating away on water or blowing away in the wind.

Advantages

• Mulch made from old-growth cypress trees contains natural chemicals that resist rotting. Once thoroughly wet, the much protects the soil from evaporation and moisture loss. Cypress mulch has a rich, brown color that is aesthetically pleasing even without any added dyes. Lastly, cypress mulch has natural bug repelling properties. In a report released by the University of Florida Extension, mulch made from cypress heartwood repeatedly repelled termites in various tests.

Disadvantages

• Only mulch made from the heartwood of old-growth trees contains the chemicals to resist rotting or to repel insects. A majority of the cypress mulch on the market today is made form young trees that lack these special chemicals. Mulch made from young trees decays quickly, offers little insect protection and fades to a grey-tan color quickly. Although cypress mulch provides good protection for moisture retention when it is wet, it takes a lot of water to get the mulch thoroughly wet because dry cypress mulch resists water. Lastly, horticulturists at the university of Florida Extension do not promote the use of cypress mulch in garden because of a concern for the deforestation of Florida wetlands.