Landscaping Ideas for Redwood Bark
Landscaping Ideas for Redwood Bark. Landscaping advantages of redwood bark, or red-dyed recycled wood, include its attractive appearance and its versatility. Economical mixtures of 1/2-inch and 1-inch nuggets and chips break down slowly. Shredded redwood bark, often called gorilla hair, is a versatile mulch that allows water to penetrate the soil,...
Landscaping advantages of redwood bark, or red-dyed recycled wood, include its attractive appearance and its versatility. Economical mixtures of 1/2-inch and 1-inch nuggets and chips break down slowly. Shredded redwood bark, often called gorilla hair, is a versatile mulch that allows water to penetrate the soil, recharge the water table and nourish plant roots. It also effectively prevents soil erosion from excessive rain.
Under Trees
Apply redwood bark under trees and shrubs as an all-purpose mulch to conserve soil moisture, moderate soil temperatures and prevent weeds. Bark mulches also protect tender surface roots. Bagged bark mulch products and redwood bark that has been weathered outdoors have been leached of potential toxins and are unlikely to harm plants. Avoid applying mulch closer to trunks or stems than several inches to circumvent disease and insect or rodent problems. Mulching too closely may prevent the protective hardening of bark in the fall.
On Slopes
Redwood bark, particularly gorilla hair, is effective on hillsides. Besides its usual water conservation, temperature moderating, weed suppression and root-protecting effects, shredded redwood bark prevents soil erosion. Apply gorilla hair at least 2 inches thick then water thoroughly to settle it onto the soil. It resists blowing away in the wind, though in very windy areas you can add redwood bark nuggets too, for heft.
On Pathways
Shredded redwood bark is useful for all-natural, water-pervious pathways. It resists compaction for a buoyant sensation, and the irregular nature of shredded bark makes for easier walking. For heavily traveled paths and walkways, however, either replenish gorilla hair regularly or use more durable "pathway" or general-purpose redwood bark blends. Redwood bark is also useful for children's play areas and for casual or rustic sitting or picnic areas.
In Planter Beds
Redwood bark adds a finished look to planter beds and outdoor garden containers, while delivering all the expected benefits of organic mulches. Keep in mind that gorilla hair mulch is easily ignited by embers from wildfires or carelessly tossed cigarettes and matches. Other organic mulches also burn, so if fire is a reasonable concern avoid using organic mulches within 3 to 5 feet of your house--especially for wood-shingled or wood-sided homes. Also, keep organic mulches several feet away from firewood, decks, stairs or other combustible materials.
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