1. Yes, it's a whole new look! Have questions or need help? Please post your question in the New Forum Questions thread Click the X to the right to dismiss this notice
    Dismiss Notice
  2. Seeing tons of unread posts after the upgrade? See this thread for help. Click the X to the right to dismiss this notice
    Dismiss Notice

Mulch alternative?

Discussion in 'Homeowners Corner' started by LKS, Apr 18, 2012.

  1. LKS

    LKS New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2004
    Messages:
    13
    Likes Received:
    0
    Can anybody tell me something I can use as an alternative to mulch for our flower beds, etc.? We've had a terrible termite infestation last year due to mulch and do NOT want to repeat this experience. The house has been treated for termites, but we want to prevent this from happening again.

    Can anyone recommend a good solution?

    Thanks,
    Lisa
     
  2. gb10

    gb10 General Lurker

    Joined:
    Dec 21, 2005
    Messages:
    272
    Likes Received:
    6
    I've only heard about using grass instead. But, honestly, I'm not sure if you can buy bags of that like you can for mulch.
     
  3. Genco

    Genco Active Member

    Joined:
    Aug 5, 2003
    Messages:
    278
    Likes Received:
    29
    We have used Pine Straw (needles) in the past and it worked really well.
     
  4. pauleyc

    pauleyc Member

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2003
    Messages:
    207
    Likes Received:
    7
    redwood, cypress or cedar mulches are termite resistant, you can also use leaf compost mulch. Look at the bank over by Giant in junction plaza. I think its a very attractive option but may not be as weed resistant.
     
  5. KTdid

    KTdid Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2006
    Messages:
    3,430
    Likes Received:
    148
    Cypress does not repel termites. That is an old wives tale. If you are laying mulch strictly for weed control, try using landscape fabric and top off with bark mulch or gravel.
     
  6. Tech Head

    Tech Head New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2003
    Messages:
    710
    Likes Received:
    0
    I would be curious where around here you can buy pine straw. It's very popular in the south, but I've had a hard time finding around here.
     
  7. Genco

    Genco Active Member

    Joined:
    Aug 5, 2003
    Messages:
    278
    Likes Received:
    29
    I used to get it delivered via an online supplier www.pinestraw.com but I haven't in the last couple of years so I'm not sure if they are still around. It's a little pricey, but I'm sure there are other competitors. Since our neighbor is in the Boy Scouts we now just order mulch from them. I do prefer the straw over mulch any day.
     
  8. hometheaterguy

    hometheaterguy New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2008
    Messages:
    159
    Likes Received:
    4
  9. LKS

    LKS New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2004
    Messages:
    13
    Likes Received:
    0
    Thanks for the responses! You gave us some great alternative options. Are they all allowed by the HOA?
     

Share This Page