[vintageogauge]

Originally Posted by Rzepecki

Ditto. In addition, you’ll have fewer weeds with mulch than you will with stone.

Not true, Mulch is a perfect for weed growth, I have stone with virtually no weeds, my neighbor has mulch and is constantly maintaining the weeds.

[jammaiora]

Originally Posted by Fltpkr

We are planning a landscaping project around our home and are considering using pine bark mulch instead of pine straw or rocks. We know there are good reasons to use mulch, but we are concerned about whether we will be creating a termite problem for the future. There are speculations and theories about pine bark mulch providing an environment conducive to termite infestations, but our searching have not found any hard factual information or any real evidence of actual termite problems created by mulch. Of course, we will be asking the landscapers and our pest control company, but we thought TOTV folks might have some good information or might have actually experienced an issue with mulch and termites. Thanks for any info.

Rock is the only solution for keeping insects out of your shrubs/garden. Bark and pine straw attract insects and you have the addition cost of replacing in the future.

[Road-Runner]

We have Massey do our termite protection at both houses and when we had our last inspection I asked about ground coverings and he said mulch was not worse than rock as long as you don't let it decay and start breaking down. At that point it becomes candy for the termites. I brought up that I always thought it breaking down was a good thing as it contributed to the soil especially down here where it is so handy. He said rake the decomposing mulch a few feet from the foundation and only keep fresher mulch there and you're good. He said rocks can create shade and dampness just like mulch can which is what allows termites to camp out. I was surprised thinking rock would always be better.

[Michael G.]

I had a good fishing friend horticulturist back in Wisconsin that warn homeowners don't use stone, (especially white/light stone)
when planting around flowers and tender shrubbery.
Reason being the reflective light and heat on the underside of those tender leaves will destroy them.

[jrzeis@tampabay.rr.com]

Go with river rock, it lasts longer (duh, it's a rock), pine bark will turn grey after about a year and not be as attractive, cedar bark is more expensive, any mulch you put down will need to be added to every two years and no mulch will last more than three years. Regardless of what you put down make sure that the highest quality landscape fabric is put down first otherwise weeds and grass will grow through it and you will constantly be spraying weed and grass killer to get rid of it. I know river rock is much more expensive but it will only need to be done once. And one more think about cedar mulch, it floats so it will move around in heavy rains. You will need a barrier regardless of what you choose.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by Fltpkr

We are planning a landscaping project around our home and are considering using pine bark mulch instead of pine straw or rocks. We know there are good reasons to use mulch, but we are concerned about whether we will be creating a termite problem for the future. There are speculations and theories about pine bark mulch providing an environment conducive to termite infestations, but our searching have not found any hard factual information or any real evidence of actual termite problems created by mulch. Of course, we will be asking the landscapers and our pest control company, but we thought TOTV folks might have some good information or might have actually experienced an issue with mulch and termites. Thanks for any info.

A few years ago we bought green colored (there may be other colors) mulch or you might call them stones that were made from old automobile tires. I doubt termites would live in those. Also, we put small-sized shell around the house.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by panamachica

I once was spreading pine straw and found a baby snake in the pine needles.

Snakes are everywhere here, This is Florida! I once saw a LARGE rattlesnake skin inside the area of a popular POOL. I have seen. And rattlesnakes get SUPER big in Florida. I have seen grown men holding up dead rattlers in pictures. Some are as long as the men were tall. Best protection is to hope for a BLACKSNAKE to stay in your backyard. Do NOT hurt BLACKSNAKES or even drive them away!

[Quixote]

We've used pine bark mulch for countless years and have never had a problem with termites. I would make sure it's not piled up against the house, just to be on the safe side.