Is Eucalyptus Mulch Toxic to Plants?
When used properly, following other guidelines for mulching, eucalyptus mulch is not toxic to plants. Though eucalyptus has some plant chemicals (phytochemicals) that can be toxic, well-aged wood mulch will not be harmful. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Content
-
Eucalyptus mulch is made of the wood products left over from processing the eucalyptus tree for essential oil, wood and dye extracts.
Eucalyptus Toxicity
-
There are some phytochemical residues in eucalyptus trees, particularly the leaves, that can be toxic to seedlings.
-
Mulch Toxicity
-
Once processed for mulch and aged, the phytochemicals of eucalyptus wood leach out quickly, giving the same weed control effect as any other mulch.
Time Frame
-
Studies done by the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida showed that all fresh mulches, regardless of tree species, have some plant toxicity effects for about the first three months. A separate study in the Australian Journal of Botany found that eucalyptus leaves and bark had plant toxicity effects for five.
Benefits
-
Eucalyptus mulch is particularly durable and long lasting. Like other mulches, eucalyptus mulch discourages weeds and conserves water by creating a barrier between the soil and air.
-
References
- Photo Credit Mulch image by Stefan Richter from Fotolia.com
Comments
-
We laid this mulch at a house in Balwyn, smells beautiful, but is expensive. Give that REAL country smell to our garden and is great in native gardens too.
