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newspaper mulch
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Posted by michelle_co z5 CO (My Page) on Thu, Apr 27, 06 at 19:52
| Does anyone else in this region use newspaper for mulch? I have some sheets of B&W paper down that are 4 years old and still in tact. It does need new bark on top of it. I see that in other areas of the world, cardboard and newspaper actually decomposes in the course of one season. :-) Amazing!
Anyway, I am thinking about using shredded newspaper around some of my trees and rosebushes, then piling on mounds of bark. It seems to supress the june grass and foxtails.
What's the best way to shred newspaper? How big of strips? Any problems with newspaper mulch in the SW, other than it mummifying? :-))))
Thanks!
Meesh |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: newspaper mulch
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Hello, Michelle_co. I use newspaper to prevent weeds from coming out of the soil. The bottom layer of my mulched area is newspaper pages and they are topped with regular mulch.
As for shredding, I do not shred the newspaper at all... I just dump blocks of about 10-14 pages all over and cut around plants & stuff.
Because I have three dogs, I do not shred the paper and mix it with regular mulch. Not that they would eat the paper but rather the dogs' walking might cause newspaper pieces to be eventually be blown around. Nothing like a playful Golden Retriever or a German Shepherd to shake things off. If nothing can disturb the paper/mulch mix in your area then go for it!
Good luck,
Luis |
RE: newspaper mulch
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| Michelle, One risk of newpaper anywhere is the toxic ink. In Colorado Springs, I think they are using a soy-based ink now. Other places may be doing this also. But it is worthwhile checking. --Kris |
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