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Red oak mulch #744510

Asked April 15, 2021, 1:57 PM EDT

We removed a red oak tree from our yard this year. The stump was just ground and we have lots of fine mulch from it. It is intermixed with dirt that was also ground up. Can it be used in our flower beds as a mulch without damaging the plants? Is it okay to use a mulch around our blueberries? Thank you for your assistance!

Polk County Oregon

Expert Response

Dear Karen,

Thank you for contacting us about mulch from your oak tree. You are very lucky to have a ready supply of wood chips! Often referred to as arborists chips, this is an excellent mulch for just about all of your plants including perennials, shrubs and trees. It will maintain the temperatures and moisture in the soil, and eventually, it will nourish the soil as it decomposes.

Apply approximately 3 inches of mulch over the entire bed. (If mulching woody plants, keep the mulch several inches away from the trunks to prevent buildup of moisture which can lead to  rot and pest problems.) 

You may use wood chips for vegetable gardens, too. However, I personally find that they get it the way when planting seeds; so I usually prefer straw mulch for vegetable gardens.

Over a few years, your soil will improve in tilth and nutrients if you apply compost and/or wood chips (not just bark mulch.) Often, it is not necessary to use fertilizers on beds that are routinely treated in this way. Both compost and organic mulches break down slowly and contribute to the organic content of your soil. 

I hope this information is useful. If you have other questions, please write again.

Happy gardening,

Best Regards, Replied April 15, 2021, 3:09 PM EDT

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