Nix on Cypress

You may have noticed that The Waterkeeper Alliance  is running a big ad campaign against the use of cypress mulch.  Cypress cutting is apparently contributing to the loss of wetlands in Louisiana and causing serious environmental problems.

Here's what they have to say:

"Say NO to Cypress Mulch
The cutting of cypress forests for garden mulch is destroying vital wetlands that stabilize Louisiana's  coast against hurricanes and provide vital migratory bird habitat.  We believe that gardeners must know the truth about cypress mulch, and will stop using cypress mulch when presented with the facts:

 Cypress mulch is not as effective as other mulches. Only the ‘heartwood’ from mature cypress trees is rot and termite resistant. The young trees now being cut to feed the growing cypress mulch industry do not have these qualities. A University of Florida study confirmed that cypress mulch isn't any better for your garden than pine bark harvested from commercial plantations, not critical coastal wetlands.

Much of Louisiana's cypress mulch comes from illegal logging.
Louisiana Regulators turn a blind eye towards these activities, allowing loggers to continue destroying these forests without penalty. Yet 70-80% of the cypress wetland forests of Louisiana will never regnerate if cut, even if they are artificially replanted. 

The cypress mulch industry destroys wetlands that protect coastal LousianaAt a time when the nation must invest billions to restore Louisiana's wetlands for hurricane protection, cypress forests are being ground into mulch.  Cypress wetlands prevent flooding by absorbing excess water like a sponge, controlling flood height and speed.  These wetlands save lives and prevent the destruction of coastal cities."

I try to use leaf mulch whenever possible, but there's plenty of other material on the market aside from cypress. Take heed and let's all lend a hand to the restoration of those vital wetlands.

 

Comments

[Bana Malik]

Thanks everyone who has used their power as concerned citizens to put an end to the mulching of our coastal wetlands, by not using cypress mulch!

For more information on alternative mulches, check out the University of Florida study:

http://pasco.ifas.ufl.edu/hort/mulches.htm

EPA has not gotten off its seat with this issue, but we're making progress with the big cypress mulch retailers who are starting to hear concern from gardeners like you.

Bana Malik
Waterkeeper Alliance