Should bags of mulch be require to have a warning label if they contain harmful chemicals? Would you still purchase a bag of mulch if it had such warning label? Apply it to your yard, where your children and pets play? Eventually these harmful toxins go into our water system.
Did you know…Bags of mulch in California are required to warning labels if they contain chemicals that are on the state’s Proposition 65 list.
Why Would There Be Harmful Metals, Toxic Chemicals, Or Construction Debris?
A recent study by Linda Chalker-Scott, Washington State University, Puyallup Research and Extension Center, explains how harmful chemicals end up in our bagged mulch and the impact mulch has on the environment and plants.
As with composts, woody mulch quality is influenced by the source of materials. Mulches created from branches and tree trimmings often contain a diversity of leaves, wood, and bark, which contributes to a highly functional mulch. In contrast, woody mulch made from wood recovered from construction and demolition debris can contain pressure-treated lumber.
In one Florida study, 18 of 22 samples collected from debris processing facilities contained arsenic (from chromated copper arsenate-treated wood) at concentrations greater than the state’s allowable levels. Similarly, mill wastes that contained formaldehyde and other wood processing residues reduced survival of tree seedlings when used as a mulch.
Landscape and garden mulch provides many benefits when sustainable sources and appropriately used. Studies have shown that organic mulches increases plant growth by 67%, over those grown in bare soil.
A study by the University of Florida reveals how organic mulch helps plants grow.
Researchers have found that a mulched tree grows 67% better than one planted in bare soil. Increases in plant height, stem and trunk diameter, leaf size and number, and flower, fruit and or seed production have all been shown to improve with the use of mulch.
It Is Important To Know What’s In Your Landscape And Garden Mulch
The last thing you want is to put toxic chemicals or hazardous materials on your property. That is why it is important to know what is in your mulch. Reliable Peat is proud to offer the most reliable and highest quality products available today in the industry.
We carry only the highest of quality landscape products, including mulches, rocks, and soils available to the consumer. Our products are only available in bulk quantities so we can offer the lowest prices, and all our products are conveniently available for pickup or delivery.
We remain focused on our goal of offering the highest quality products at lowest prices in the industry. While maintaining the best and highest customer service and satisfaction every day. We look forward to helping you with your next landscape project.
