I live in Central Florida, so it is hot and humid most of the year. I am trying to figure out what is best to use for my landscaping. I like the way red lava rock looks best, but am also ok with rocks of mixed colors (not the plain white kind). I dislike the cedar/cypress/etc mulchs the most, but will use what's best. Also, I am looking for something that is easy to keep cleaned up when the leaves start falling. I have mulch now and its hard to use the blower or rake. In summary, I want something easy to upkeep, good for the plants, keep bugs at bay (as much as possible). Any suggestions?
2007-09-25 12:59:50 · 8 answers · asked by lotsofquestions 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
Here in Fla the Cypress Mulch will keep most of the cockroaches away. Cockroaches do not like cypress for some reason. but it is not easy to keep up and you do have to replenish it twice to three times a year due to sun and rain.
I only use Cypress Mulch and I have lived here in Central Fla all my 50 years.
2007-09-25 14:46:59 · answer #1 · answered by flautumn_redhead 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have to go with rock over natural mulch, because natural mulch does decay away and has to be renewed. Also pay attention to rock size. Too small and will launch with an inexperienced blower operator. Smaller stone can be raked, but that breaks up the plant pieces, I'd rather take a blower and get it out of there with the least possible physical damage.
Ideally, you have the landscape plants with the least amount of trash. If you have trashy trees and shrubs, perhaps there's a third alternative????
2007-09-25 13:45:04 · answer #2 · answered by fluffernut 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I live in central florida and I suggest cypress mulch but make sure it does not get exposed to chemicals or salt it will kill the mulch . also dont use pecan shells they attract the brown recluse spiders which are very prevelant in florida . also cockroaches do not like cypress because it expels a scent that they cannot stand . good luck .
2007-09-26 02:59:56 · answer #3 · answered by Kate T. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mixed color rocks would look nice.
Tumbled river rock, also.
Cockroaches like to nest in mulch in hot, humid areas.
I'd choose the rock.
JUDGE'S JUNGLE
2007-09-25 14:28:12 · answer #4 · answered by JUDGE'S JUNGLE 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cypress mulch, anything else can be a breeeding ground for palmetto bugs!
2007-09-25 13:26:11 · answer #5 · answered by Deborah S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
River rock is the easiest to clean out in the fall.Start the blower and blow it all away.Rinse with water and they look like new,they also last forever.
2007-09-25 13:06:33 · answer #6 · answered by snowman 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have found the best insect repelling mulch is pecan shell hulls.
2007-09-25 19:26:14 · answer #7 · answered by Deborah A 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bugs will be bugs, some like rock some like chips. RScott
2007-09-25 14:30:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋