Recently, there has been some questions about hazardous chemicals and toxins in landscape and garden mulch. Chemicals, such as chromate copper arsenate (CCA) from treated wood, creosote from recycled wood, and methane gas from mulch that hasn’t been stored properly.
The Mulch & Soil Council Answers The Question, Is there Arsenic In My Mulch?
Mulch made from natural forest products are generally regarded as arsenic free.
Recycled/reprocessed wood mulch is made from post-consumer or post-industryial products and may contain treated wood such as Construction & Demolition (C&D) material that can sometimes contain CCA (Chromated Copper Arsenate). According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) these materials should not be ground and used in mulch.”
What happens when mulch is improperly stored?
When mulch hsa been stored for an extended period of time, it can go through anaerobic decomposition. Often times this can produce harmful gases such as, ammonia, methanol, and acetic acid, all of which are toxic to plants.
Improperly stored mulch can provide an inviting environment for fungal spores, which can be detrimental to your plants.
Allopathic is a type of chemical inhibition that mulch can undergo, releasing chemicals that can prevent plates from growing and seeds from germinating.
Mulch Dyes Are Not Toxic To Plants. Here’s More From UMass Extension:
“Mulches come in different colors. The color does not matter to the plants, and is only for aesthetic purposes. There is no evidence that dyes used in colored mulches are toxic. However, if planning to use colored wood mulches, it is important to know the supplier and the source of wood used to make the mulch. Avoid mulches from recycled wood if it includes pressure treated wood (this mulch could be contaminated with chromated copper arsenate).”
How Can You Avoid Toxins And Hazardous Chemicals In Your Landscape Mulch?
Choose natural, forest sourced mulch instead of that made from recycled wood. Take a good smell of the mulch before you buy it. if it has a “sour” odor, it typically means it has formed harmful gases.
Whether it is a simple landscaping project or a major overhaul, purchasing organic mulch and rocks in bulk is an easy and affordable way to ensure your mulch is free from hazardous chemicals.
Contact Reliable Peat with any questions. Take advantage of our great special, for a limited time Reliable Peat is offering 10% off all bulk orders over 6 yards!
