by James Aldwin
homeowner , mind . There ’s an invisible threat that can undermine your hard work and leave your plants pant for air – sour mulch . Though it may sound like a harmless terminal figure , dour mulch can cause serious hurt to your plant and grunge .
What is Sour Mulch?
morose mulch is a result of unconventional disintegration of organic material in mulch piles . It ’s sometimes also called wood alcohol syndrome . When mulch is lay in in expectant , tightly packed pile with minimal oxygen , anaerobic bacteria can take over , producing toxic byproduct such as alcohol , acetic acid , and other volatile organic compounds . These toxic center can harm or kill your plants when the mulch is open in your garden .
Symptoms of Sour Mulch, and the Plants Most Susceptible
Sour mulch tends to have the most withering impact on young , herbaceous plants . These fragile , tender flora can show signs of damage shortly after being peril to a hardwood barque mulch impact by sour . The symptomsmay resemble those stimulate by excessive fertiliser , pesticide burns , or severe water stress . Often , the injury to plants manifest within hours or a 24-hour interval of utilise the sour mulch , making it crucial for gardeners to play swiftly to derogate terms .
The most common symptom includeyellowing or blackening of leafage , leafage drop , and an overall wilt appearance . Fortunately , many plant have the resilience to retrieve from sour mulch vulnerability , particularly if gardeners take prompt natural action . It ’s essential to provide exhaustive watering , in particular during raging and dry weather , to ease stress on the unnatural flora . Avoid give plant food for several hebdomad to plants hurt by rancid mulch , as it could exacerbate the damage .
How to Avoid Sour Mulch
What to Do if You’ve Already Spread Sour Mulch
glum mulch can play mayhem on your plants and ground if you broadcast it in your cubic yard . By understanding its causes , learning how to avoid it , and knowing how to rectify it when it impinge on , you ’ll be well - equipped to hold a intelligent , thriving garden . Keep these tips in intellect , and you ’ll be one step ahead of sour mulch and the yard damage it can cause .
Learn More About Sour Mulch
https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/sour-mulch
https://www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/yardandgarden/sour-mulch-can-burn-tender-plants-2/
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/toxic-mulch-problems
Healthy mulch should have an earthy, pleasant aroma. If it smells sour, vinegary, or like alcohol, it’s a sign that the mulch has turned sour.
Click to access FSA-6138.pdf
