Talk of The Villages Florida - Are there any mulch no-no's in TV?

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- - Are there any mulch no-no's in TV? (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/landscape-talk-129/there-any-mulch-no-nos-tv-344448/)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keefelane66 (Post 2261315)

I’ve used Pine Bark and pine needles and placed river rock boarding home with no issues.
Pine bark seems to last longer than regular mulch.

I think that rocks look better and last better than organic mulches.

roaches live in pine bark use cypress mulch

Purchased our first home in TV 2006. During the years I’ve seen more residents take out their pine straw, mulch and bark and replace with rock more than any other landscaping change. I did it and many others have done the same. But to each their own.

Is redwood mulch available in this area? Love the look of it at our Colorado home.

Quote:

Originally Posted by justjim (Post 2261888)

Rock, even with a liner, is nothing more than a bed for weeds in a couple of years.

Quote:

Originally Posted by midiwiz (Post 2261793)

cypress is the best, buy in bulk. The colored mulches (especially black) attracts termites. Pine bark mates with bugs very will and the pine straw they use makes it very easy for all sorts of pests to hide out. I've learned the hard way in florida..... just lending my lessons learned

What is your source of information regarding colored mulches, particularly black mulch, attracting termites? I believe that statement is misinformation. Using wood mulch (NO particular color) could increase your chances of having termites, but only slightly and generally, is NOT the basis for having a termite problem. And since most homeowners have had the fear of God put into them by neighbors and pest control companies, most homeowners have pest control of one sort or another to alleviate the possibility of that problem happening.

The best possible mulch you could use would be melaleuca because most insects hate it. Unfortunately, in all my searches for years, no one sells it in this area, and generally, is hard to find anyway.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimjamuser (Post 2261833)

I think that rocks look better and last better than organic mulches.

Rocks do look nice but add nothing to the environment and do not benefit the soil. Weeds love all the crannies created by rocks and stones. In addition, your shrubs and plants "bake" in the sun and require more water. Mulches, as they break down over long periods of time, add nutrients to the soil.

I use LEAVES and neighbors are so kind to bag at end of driveway, added bonus good for beds.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ron32162 (Post 2261847)

roaches live in pine bark use cypress mulch

Roaches live everywhere. Including under your dishwasher.

This Florida resident of 40 years is a cypress "No Float" mulch fan. It does require replacing as well. Probably more expensive than pine straw, but worth the extra cost IMO. If I want rocks, I'll move to Arizona.