Can I Use Green Red Oak Chips to Mulch My Roses?

Mulching Options

• A heavy layer of organic mulch helps the root zone of the rosebush to retain moisture. Mulch adds color and visual interest to the base of rose bushes and aids in controlling weed emergence. Pine straw, straw, well-aged herbivore manure (cow, horse, sheep, goat), peat moss, ground corn cobs, pine bark or untreated sawdust or wood chips provide excellent coverage and protection for roses. In areas where red oak trees are prevalent, red oak leaves, wood chips and shavings are an excellent mulching choices. Green or aged red oak chips or shavings can be used safely.

Oak Chips Are Slow To Decompose

• One of the distinct advantages of using red oak wood chips is that they are slow to decompose. They will not have to be replaced as quickly as peat moss, manure or straw, thus saving time and money. Red oak chips or shavings are free or inexpensive. Many sawmills or cabinetry shops are happy to give away their chips, or they can be purchased online or from home and garden supply stores.

Water And Air Permeable

• Oak chips allow water and air to reach the soil. They do not pack down tightly or float away in a heavy rain. Spread 1 to 2 cubic feet of chips around the base of each rosebush. Maintain a 6- to 8-inch layer around the rosebush. Add more mulch annually to retain a heavy, insulating layer.

Treated Wood Chips

• Never use chemically treated wood to build flower boxes, and don't use treated wood chips, sawdust or shavings as mulch. The wood contains toxic chemicals to repel insects that can leach into the soil and damage tender root growth. Always select non-treated or non-painted oak chips.