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Re: Pine bark fines
perennials@hort.net
  • Subject: Re: Pine bark fines
  • From: "* <k*@comcast.net>
  • Date: Tue, 14 Jun 2011 14:29:49 -0500
I would think you could allow it to age for awhile before using to let it break down a bit first. 

" any mulch that has to break down takes

nitrogen away from the soil."
True, any organic material uses some nitrogen from the uppermost part of the soil, but the important part is that it RETURNS nutrients to the soil. It's not a one way street. I'd rather add a little fertilizer than use something like cypress mulch that doesn't break down and nourish my soil.
When I incorporate organic material in a new bed, I usually allow it to rest til the next season so that activity takes place before I plant. 

Kitty
neIN, Zone 5
----- Original Message ----- From: "Christopher P. Lindsey" <lindsey@mallorn.com> 
To: <perennials@hort.net>
Sent: Tuesday, June 14, 2011 12:42 PM
Subject: Re: Pine bark fines



----- Original Message -----


I live in the middle fo the woods and one year I shredded a lot of
small branches that had collected around the place. When I used them
for mulch, I discovered that they appeared to suck all the nitrogen
out of the soil as they decomposed and I lost many plants. However,
another factor may have been that some of the branches were from
black walnut trees.


Hi Bill,

I've had the same experience; any mulch that has to break down takes
nitrogen away from the soil.

I always add extra nitrogen (46-0-0) to my soil mixes that incorporate
bark fines.  This Old House recommends top-dressing with fertilizer
before mulching as well.

Chris

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