Why You Should Avoid Chipped or Shredded Mulch
It’s a common question: Should I use chipped mulch or shredded mulch in my garden beds? Understanding the distinctions between these two types of mulch can greatly influence the health and vitality of your plants.
The answer, in our experience? Neither. Both options have their drawbacks that could negatively impact your garden.
While both are widely available and often used in landscaping, they can actually do more harm than good—particularly when it comes to your plants’ access to nitrogen. This essential nutrient is often overlooked, yet it plays a critical role in the overall health of your plants.
Let’s break it down (excuse the pun) and take a closer look at why nitrogen is critical for your garden—and what you should be using instead. Understanding these factors will help you make a more informed decision about the type of mulch that is best for your plants.
Why Nitrogen Matters So Much
Nitrogen is essential for healthy plant growth. It plays a key role in producing chlorophyll—the green pigment plants use to convert sunlight into energy via photosynthesis. This process is vital, as it underpins all plant life. Without adequate nitrogen, plants struggle to produce lush foliage, develop strong stems, or effectively fight off pests and diseases.
It’s also a key part of amino acids, which serve as the building blocks of proteins. In other words, nitrogen is absolutely vital at every stage of a plant’s development and is particularly crucial during the early growth phases.
But here’s the kicker: plants can’t absorb nitrogen directly from the air. This limitation means they must rely on nitrogen present in the soil to thrive.
They rely on nitrogen present in the soil, in forms such as ammonium and nitrate, which are taken up through their roots. It’s essential to ensure that your soil retains enough of these forms of nitrogen for optimal plant growth.
Why Chipped or Shredded Mulch Might Be Harming Your Plants
Fresh chipped or shredded wood mulch is high in carbon but low in nitrogen. When you spread it over your soil, soil-dwelling microorganisms begin the process of breaking it down. And to do that, they need nitrogen—which they take straight from your soil. This competition can be detrimental to your plants.
This process is known as nitrogen drawdown. As these microorganisms feast on the mulch, they deplete the nitrogen levels in your soil, leaving your plants struggling to access the nutrients they need to flourish.
The result? Sluggish growth, yellowing leaves, and underperforming plants. In severe cases, plants may even become susceptible to disease due to their weakened state.
So, what should you use instead? Selecting the right type of mulch can drastically improve your garden’s health and the vitality of your plants.
Composted mulch.
Composted mulch has already begun breaking down, so it won’t tie up nitrogen in the same way fresh wood mulch does. Instead, it enriches the soil and promotes healthy growth. Composted mulch:
- Adds a variety of nutrients to your soil, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, essential for plant health.
- Improves soil structure and water retention, which is particularly beneficial during dry spells.
- Encourages beneficial microbial activity, boosting your garden’s ecosystem.
- Protects plant roots from temperature extremes, ensuring a more stable environment for growth.
In short, it does everything mulch should do—without depriving your plants of what they need to thrive. The choice of mulch can make or break your garden’s success.
You can buy it in bulk from reputable suppliers, or better yet, make your own using well-rotted garden waste, grass clippings, leaves, and kitchen scraps. Just make sure it’s properly broken down before spreading it around your beds to ensure optimal nutrient availability.
A Final Word on Mulching
Mulch is a brilliant tool in the gardener’s kit—but only when it’s the right kind. While chipped or shredded bark may look neat and tidy, it could come at a cost your plants can’t afford, ultimately impacting their growth and health.
Instead, choose composted mulch that feeds your soil and supports healthy growth from the ground up. This choice not only benefits your plants but also enhances the overall ecosystem of your garden.
As I put it in my original Quora answer:
“Neither. Don’t use chipped mulch OR shredded mulch. Both of those will rob the precious nitrogen from the ground that your plants need for robust health and thriving growth.”
As I put it in my original Quora answer:
“Neither. Don’t use chipped mulch OR shredded mulch. Both of those will rob the precious nitrogen from the ground that your plants need.”
Need Help with Mulching or Soil Care?
At Cowen Landscapes, we know what your plants need—and what they don’t. Our expertise allows us to aid you in sourcing and applying the right mulch that will keep your garden healthy, nourished, and looking its best all year round.
Explore our garden maintenance services to discover how we can assist you in creating a thriving garden environment.
Do you have a landscaping question? Drop us a message and we’ll do our best to provide you with expert advice and solutions tailored to your needs.
