Wood Chip Mulch
Meza Trucking delivers wood chip mulch to Modesto, Stockton, Lodi and all surrounding areas. Contact us for more information.
Wood chip mulch is a great way to improve your garden. Your plants’ appearance is improved by the natural texture of the wood chips, and the quality of the soil in your garden is improved as nutrients are added during the decaying process of the wood chips.
Where do you get wood chip mulch?
Wood chips may be created with a wood chipping from the trimmings of trees or it can be purchased at garden stores. Regardless where it is obtained from, it is an invaluable addition to any garden.
The Benefits of Mulching
Most serious gardeners believe in the benefits of mulching. There are different types of mulch. Some are organic and others inorganic. Organic mulch, such as mulch made of wood chips, will break down and release nutrients to the soil, which is a special advantage.
Anything that protects plant roots and soil as a ground cover is considered a “mulch.” Sometimes mulch is used to make paths or to fill in the gaps between pavers. This improves the appearance by defining the walkway and preventing weeds from growing.
Mulch is simply any substance that can protect soil and plant roots as a groundcover. Mulching is also used in paths and between pavers to reduce weeds and provide a clean appearance. Benefits include:
- Pest and disease reduction
- Soil temperature stabilization
- Nutrients for soil fertility
- Soil Structure Improvement
- Moisture Conservation
- Aesthetic Appearance
- Weed Prevention
- Application Ease
- Cost Effectiveness
Pros and Cons of Wood Chip Mulch
There has been some debate on some issues that question the benefits of wood chip mulch. These include:
- The pH of the soil may be altered
- The effects of a plant/wood chips on the development of neighboring plants due to the release of secondary compounds
- The possibility of disease transfer
- The possibility of increased activity of pests
- The increased fire hazard depending on the type of mulch
However, the above have been tested and found inconclusive. pH in the soil is generally stable, tendencies in most barks are not detrimental to neighboring established plants, and pests and disease are usually minimized, not increased by wood chip mulch. As for flammability, inorganic rubber is far more likely to burn than wood chips.
The type of wood that the wood chip mulch is made from can have some effects. For example, Cedar repels some insects, and black walnut can limit seed germination and growth. Before utilizing a certain type of wood chip, a little research is advised to make sure that the wood chip mulch you use will benefit your particular use in your garden.
As a general rule, wood chips are better used around established plants, not vegetable gardens other than pathways. It is best to keep wood chips away from any siding on the house or trunks/stems on trees and plants. Four to six inches of mulch should be placed over broken down compost or other organic layer.
One benefit to using wood chip mulch is that this kind of mulch comes in various colors to choose from. From black to mahogany, ocher, orange or red, the color can add to the aesthetic pleasure of your garden. Note that the color will fade as they break down, so you will need to replenish as time goes on.