Pine Bark Nuggets Vs. Cypress Mulch

Ability to Retain Color

• Color can vary significantly among mulch types. Cypress mulch begins its life fairly pink in color while pine bark starts out a rich, chocolate brown color. All mulch will fade over time from sun exposure, but they will do so at different rates. Both pine bark and cypress mulch have demonstrated the ability to retain color remarkably well when compared to other mulch types. Both can retain their color up to six months.

Termite Resistance

• The heartwood of cypress is well-recognized for its termite and decay resistance. However, the cypress used in modern cypress mulch has little or no heartwood. Subterranean termites will consume all types of mulch. Whether they serve to attract and support termite colonies is debatable. If termite resistance is a particular concern, consider using neither pine bark nor cypress mulch. Of the mulches studied by Mary L. Duryea of the University of Florida, termites seem to prefer melaleuca mulch the least.

Cypress Mulch Considerations

• Cypress mulch is long-lasting, easy to apply and an effective form of weed control. It particularly excels in protecting against evaporative loses. On the other hand, some studies suggest that the natural water-holding capacity of the wood may prevent water from reaching the root zone of the plant. Also, when dry, the mulch may repel some water.

Pine Bark Nuggets Considerations

• Pine bark nuggets are an over-sized, long-lasting form of mulch that provide very effective weed resistance. In addition, the nuggets are an environmentally-friendly by-product of tree farming. Pine bark nuggets offer superior resistance to compaction and wind. They are widely available, affordable and decompose very slowly. Be aware, these large chunks can float away over time. The mulch may also lower pH slightly. Deep applications of improperly stockpiled, fresh nuggets can be toxic to young plants. Fortunately, most bagged pine bark nuggets are sufficiently weathered when sold and not likely to harm plants.

Cypress Mulch Environmental Impacts

• Cypress heartwood, which takes hundreds of years to form, is a well-documented insect and rot-resistant form of wood. In the 1950s, heartwood by-products of the lumber industry were used to make cypress mulch. However, the current supply of cypress mulch is harvested from natural forests. These forests are not, and cannot be, planted at the rate they are harvested to keep up with demand. Once these natural areas are cleared, non-native plants and sometimes harmful exotics like Brazilian pepper move in, which further damages the ecosystem.