Red mulches could refer to either large sheets of red coloured plastic or wood chips that are dyed with a reddish colour. When applied correctly, both types could provide the basic mulching benefits, such as adding nutrients to the soil, water conservation, temperature regulation, moisture retention, and weed reduction.
Red mulches, particularly wood chips are often selected by many gardeners and landscapers for their aesthetic beauty. The nice contrast between the green foliage of plants and the red mulch brings any garden or landscape to life.
Red plastic mulches do not provide much aesthetic value. Basically, it is a big red garbage bag covering the whole garden, with small holes for accommodating plants. While it's not that visually pleasing, it is said to reflect more light on plants. Red wood mulches also have such ability to reflect light.
Abundant reflective sunlight tricks plants. They'll feel that other plants are nearby. This causes competition for water, sunlight, and nutrients, making the plants to release a certain chemical that encourage stem growth, resulting to higher yields.
But there are debates as to whether or not the reflective properties of red mulches are as beneficial as many manufacturers claim. Initial reports showed that red mulches increased yields by 15% to 20%. But recent studies seem to differ with such findings, with many people opting for red mulch wood chips for their texture and colour.
It's important to consider the source of the wood, since not all red mulch wood chips are made equal. The best organic mulches come from land-clearing firms that create chips from raw lumber. Other companies get their wood chips from recycled wood, like old crates. Such recycled wood needs to go through a process of drying, to give it the mulch appearance.
To get high quality, affordable red mulch for your garden, visit Perth's WA TreeWorks by clicking on the links provided: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_m_fdJcsMi8.
Updated: Thursday, 24 July 2014 8:49 AM EDT
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