gum mulch

[jerryc]

Bought some mulch from a tree lopper which is mostly gum leaves and small lopping mulched up. Have been told that I should be careful where I use it as the gum mulch has a plant growth inhibitor. Any info would be welcome.

Jerry

Everyone is entitled to my opinion

[Planned LScape]

By growth inhibitor I am presuming they are talking about a defense mechanism that some natives have. A good example is a River Red Gum, they send off a chemical to the dripline area of the tree (under tree and to edge of branches) that stops other trees growing underneath it, potentially out competing it for water, nutrients etc. Grasses etc still grow there but nothing substantial, except for other redgums. There are also other gums and Acacia's that share a similar trait.

Gum mulch also tends to shoot up more trees too, from the seed pods being opened up in the mulch.

Native plants will mostly not have any dramas with native mulch...depends on what plants are in your garden.

[jerryc]

Planned Lscape,

Thanks for the info. Had contacted Gardening Australia on this point but dead silence from their experts. The part of my garden I'm concerned about is the ornamental garden where there are many non natives, mostly perennials .

Jerry

Everyone is entitled to my opinion