Are you on the hunt for a mulch that stands out, both in looks and resilience?
Well, let me introduce you to something a bit out of the ordinary: gorilla hair mulch. It might raise an eyebrow with its name, but trust me, it’s definitely worth considering.
Gorilla hair mulch isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s packed with benefits that make it worth considering for use in your garden.
I’ll break down what gorilla hair mulch is, along with its pros and cons.
What Is Gorilla Hair Mulch?
Gorilla hair mulch is crafted by finely shredding the bark of redwood and cedar trees. Its appearance is quite distinctive, featuring long, fibrous strands that uncannily resemble a gorilla’s fur, which is where it gets its quirky name from.
The mulch sports a rich reddish-brown hue that adds a warm touch to any garden setting. Beyond its visual appeal, it emits a lovely scent thanks to the natural oils present in redwood bark. It’s not just about looks; this mulch brings a whole sensory experience to your garden.
Pros Of Gorilla Hair Mulch
There are several reasons why it’s worth considering using Gorilla Hair mulch in your garden.
Longevity
First off, this mulch is a champ when it comes to staying power.
It hangs around for years, resisting breakdown far better than other mulches. This means less replenishing, saving you both time and money. Plus, its color keeps your garden looking sharp season after season.
Visual Appeal
There’s no denying the visual appeal of Gorilla hair mulch.
Its rich reddish-brown tone adds warmth and complements your plants beautifully. Got a lot of greenery? This mulch’s color will make those shades pop even more.
Pest Resistant
Pests can be a real headache, but not with gorilla hair mulch.
Its long fibers are tough for critters to navigate, and the cedar’s natural oils (like thujone) are like a “keep out” sign for bugs. We’re talking fewer fleas, termites, and cockroaches – naturally.
Moisture Retention
For plants that thirst, Gorilla hair mulch is a lifesaver.
Its fibers hold water effectively due to its porous nature, keeping soil moist longer. If you’re nurturing plants that don’t do well in dry conditions (like succulents and ferns), this mulch can be a game-changer.
Weed Suppression
One of the biggest wins in using mulch is its knack for keeping pesky weeds at bay.
And when it comes to gorilla hair mulch, you’re looking at a heavyweight champion in the weed suppression arena.
This stuff is thick, it’s dense, and it loves to stick together – qualities that make it a natural barrier against unwanted green intruders. It’s like laying down a cozy, impenetrable blanket over your soil that effectively stops weeds from growing.
Stays In Place
Thanks to its dense and cohesive nature, this mulch is a dream come true for gardens with slopes or any areas where the ground isn’t flat as a pancake.
Whether you’re dealing with a bit of rain or some gusty winds, you can rest easy knowing your mulch isn’t going anywhere.
Apart from these key benefits, gorilla mulch comes with the other benefits that are common with organic mulches which include providing insulation to the soil, promoting earthworms and other beneficial insects, and enriching the soil with organic matter as it decomposes.
Cons of Gorilla Hair Mulch
Gorilla mulch has a few disadvantages that you should be aware of.
- First up, its density is a double-edged sword. Yes, it’s great for keeping everything in place and suppressing weeds, but here’s the catch: if you lay it on too thick, it’s going to act like a barrier for water. You don’t want that. So, my advice? Go easy on the thickness. A thinner layer will ensure your soil gets the hydration it needs without sacrificing the benefits.
- Gorilla Mulch comes with a higher price tag upfront compared to some other options out there. But let’s put this into perspective. Because of its durability, you’re not going to be replenishing it as often. In the grand scheme of things, it’s a long-term investment that pays off, saving you both time and money down the road.
- There is also a flammability factor due to its cedar base. Softwoods, including cedar, do have a penchant for catching fire more easily than hardwoods. The key here is to be mindful of its placement – keep it away from open flames and areas where temperatures might skyrocket. Safety first, always.
So, how do you make the most out of Gorilla Mulch despite these points?
It’s all about smart application and shopping savvy. Don’t just settle for the first price you see; shop around. Check out different suppliers online, weigh in any delivery fees, and consider whether buying in bulk could be more economical for your garden’s needs.
Tips When Applying Gorilla Hair Mulch
Gorilla mulch should be applied to your garden just as you would any other organic mulch. However, there are a few things you should take into consideration.
Remember that this mulch is very thick and dense, so it does not need to be laid as thick as other mulches to be effective. About 2″ – 3″ is suitable for most cases. This is just right to allow water to reach the soil while keeping those annoying weeds at bay.
If you’ve got areas with more foot traffic or movement, feel free to go a bit thicker, around 4″ – 5″, to ensure it stays in place.
Now, here’s a tip that’s as important as remembering to wear gloves: aerate your mulch.
Yep, just like your lawn needs a good poke every now and then to breathe, your mulch does too. Regularly fluffing it up helps prevent moisture from playing hide and seek and stops it from clumping together too much.
Keep this chunky mulch a respectful distance from the bases of your trees, shrubs, and plants. If it is too close, it might cause root rot due to trapped moisture and not enough air getting through.
Is Gorilla Mulch Safe For Pets?
Gorilla hair mulch is pet-friendly because it’s non-toxic. But, just like with any mulch, there’s a bit of a caveat if you have curious furballs who like to explore with their mouths.
Here’s the scoop: though it’s safe, gorilla hair mulch can be a bit of a choking hazard for pets, particularly dogs that might think it’s a new kind of snack. And let’s be honest, some dogs will chew on just about anything! Besides the risk of choking, this mulch is quite fibrous, which means if Fido does decide it’s snack time, it could lead to some unpleasant digestive issues.
So, what’s a pet owner to do? If you’re like me and your dog has a gourmet taste for garden materials, you might want to consider opting for a mulch that’s a bit less appealing in texture – something that’s less clumpy and less shredded.
This could include options like wood chips, which are still a natural and safe choice for mulch but might not be as enticing to your pet.
Remember, keeping our pets safe is always a top priority. While gorilla hair mulch itself isn’t harmful, it’s all about knowing your pet and making the best choice for their health and happiness.