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overview

Mulchis an insulating material that is spread over the ground. Shreddedwood or chips, pine needles, and straw are just some of thematerials that can be used as mulch. Usage has several horticulturalbenefits: mulch provides a more uniform soil temperature, improvessoil moisture, protects against erosion, and reduces weeds. Inlandscaping and construction projects, mulch is used as a surfacematerial for erosion control or as a temporary road base.

Compost

Compostutilizes organic waste from lawns and gardens to create an effectivesoil amendment. Compost returns nutrients to the soil, improves soiltexture, and promotes new plant growth.

Federalprocurement guidelines resulting from an Executive Order recommend thatagencies purchase or use compost made from yard trimmings, leaves,and/or grass clippings in such applications as landscaping, seeding ofgrasses or other plants on roadsides and embankments, as nutritiousmulch under trees and shrubs, and in erosion control and soilreclamation. State and local governments are encouraged to follow theseguidelines.

 

performance

Because there are many different materialsthat can be used as mulch, performance is best reviewed by product type and intended use.

• "Coarse" grade material
  (particle size up to 5 inches) is used for temporary road surface, mud control, and for erosion control.
• "Medium" grade material
  (particle size up to 3.5 inches) is used for surface material, horticultural mulch, and erosion control.
• "Fine" grade material
  (particle size up to 2 inches) is used for horticultural mulch and soil amendment.

availability

Mulch is available from landscapecompanies, composting facilities, and scrap wood processors.

cost

Mulch prices depend on material typeand specifications. The cost of shredded wood-waste mulch issignificantly less than virgin wood mulch or landscape rock.

specifications

Some specifications to considerinclude size of material, texture, composition of material, aesthetics,water-holding capacity, and odor. Specifications vary according to type ofmulch and intended use.

vendors

Forlocal vendors of wood-waste mulch or compost, look in the YellowPages under "Landscape Equipment and Supplies" or"Compost." Alternatively, contact your local solid wastedepartment (see Appendix C); or view the "MinnesotaRecycled Products Directory" on the Minnesota Office ofEnvironmental Assistance's web site, or call 800/657-3843 to askfor a copy.

sources

KingCounty Environmental Purchasing Program