Putting mulch in your garden is an excellent way to conserve soil moisture, protect roots from frost, provide additional nutrients, and suppress the growth of unwanted weeds. When it comes to mulching materials, a lot of options are present. But if you’re looking for a long-lasting material that takes a long time to break down and provides an attractive mulch finish, the hemlock mulch is a great investment.
What’s In a Hemlock Mulch?
Hemlock mulch is made up of organic materials coming from the bark and outer rind of the hemlock tree. It’s a lightweight material that’s a naturally rich red, orange, or burgundy color. The drying and aging process helps enhance the color of this mulch, making it more attractive when placed in the landscape.
Some forms of hemlock mulch are finely grounded, while others are in larger chunk form. This mulch will look good when put around the base of trees, shrubs, flower beds, and even play areas as it adds color.
How to Put Hemlock Mulch?
The best time to apply hemlock mulch is either in the fall or late spring after planting. The benefit of putting hemlock mulch during the fall season is it helps protect the roots from frost damage. When applied in late spring, the mulch suppresses the growth of weeds.
First, water the soil and pull out existing weeds before putting in the hemlock mulch. Spread out about two to four inches thick of mulch over the soil. Make sure that the mulch is evenly distributed in the place. Don’t keep the mulch too close to the base of the tree or shrub but provide at least three inches of distance in between.
Use a rake to flatten the mulch, ensuring they’re evenly distributed on the garden surface. This will make it look more visually pleasing. As a final step, water the mulch lightly to help it settle on the ground and prevent it from blowing away. When done correctly, your hemlock mulch is going to save you a few seasons of work and money.
Is Hemlock Mulch Poisonous?
People often mistake hemlock mulch as poisonous. But this assumption isn’t true. Hemlock mulch is non-toxic and completely safe to use in your garden. Although its name sounds the same as the poison hemlock shrub, the hemlock mulch comes from a different non-poisonous species, the hemlock tree. They’re completely different plants.
The reddish color of the mulch is a natural hue. So once they get in contact with the soil, they don’t produce toxins. It’s also pet-friendly, which is good news if you have furbabies around.
Pros and Cons of Using Hemlock Mulch
One advantage of using hemlock mulch is its durability. Although it’s an organic material, the decomposition takes time. Once you apply this type of mulch to your garden, it could last a year or two without needing replacement. As a result, you save both money and time in the long run. On top of that, hemlock mulch has some form of resistance to mold, mildew, and termites.
But the downside of hemlock mulch is it’s relatively light. It tends to float away during strong winds. And if your place gets occasionally flooded, hemlock mulch will be easily displaced with water. Another concern other gardeners have about hemlock mulch is its relatively high price. So if you’re on a budget, this mulching material might not be your best option.
References:
- Springtime Mulching – Virginia Cooperative Extension (Virginia Tech)
