What kind of mulch is the most Florida-Friendly?
All of the different kinds of mulch available in Florida have benefits and drawbacks. Cypress, melaleuca, and pine bark are the longest lasting types of mulch but they don’t offer plants many nutrients when they break down. Soil pH may be reduced by pine bark and pine straw, which would be excellent for acid-loving plants like azaleas, but not for plants that require high-pH soil. The kind of mulch you choose depends on your priorities and taste. Here’s an overview of the most popular mulches:Pine bark is a byproduct of the forest industry. It comes in ground and nugget forms, and has a rich brown color.Pine straw (pine needles) comes from pine plantations, which produce paper and wood products, and is sold in bales. Unlike some mulches, pine needles are not likely to wash away, because they knit together.Fallen leaves (including grass clippings) can be raked up for free in your landscape. This type of mulch is high in nutrients, but decomposes quickly.Melaleuca mulch is made from the
