Sign up for our newsletter. Generally, mulches are spread across a few inches (2-3 inches) deep in the soil, making them a perfect habitat for termites and other pests. So, instead of choosing cypress mulch, choose cypress heartwood mulch. Mulch Options for the Home Landscape - UF/IFAS Extension Lake County Its because cypress mulch contains sapwood. During production, great care was taken to ensure that there were no harmful substances in the product. The mulch is so soft that even the fall can be dampened. It is non-toxic to dogs and should last up to 2 years. Two common softwood mulches that many homeowners use are firewood mulch and all types of pine wood mulch, especially loblolly and slash pine mulch. Q: Should we be concerned about adding melaleuca mulch to the landscape Do I need a permit to cut down my melaleuca tree? However, rubber mulch is completely safe and has positive properties. This is an invasive tree that is drying up FL wet lands. The curls also have a fresh earthy scent and act as a natural insect repellent. The Dangers of Tea Tree Oil for Pets - All Natural Pet Care I can't find anything in the literature that suggest tea tree (melaleuca) mulch is poisonous to dogs and cats. You can also install a metal mesh over the mulch to keep your pet away from it. Like other cedar mulch, it is natural, degradable, and smells good. Kelsey Leicht On top of that, licorice mulch also maintains the soils carbon-to-nitrogen ratio which is critical for plants growth. Kelsey is a lover of words and woofs. K9ofMine.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. It is incredibly light-bodyweight and can fly away effortlessly. How to Choose the Right Mulch - This Old House Not all materials are ideal for pets, and you should be sure to buy a completely pet-safe, non-toxic species. Mulch can be dangerous to dogs since it often contains toxic ingredients, including pesticides. Where can I get it? The symptoms observed in a dog who has consumed mulch can vary. Despite being low in cellulose (cellulose is a basic nutritional need for termites) these mulches act like a bridge between the yard and your home. In the winter months, you should definitely get some mulch for your puppy. My goal is to help you make the best decisions.As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.As a Chewy affiliate, I earn commissions for qualifying purchases. It gives the same traditional look as mixed hardwood and cypress mulches. About: Not to be confused with dangerous cocoa bean mulch, coco mulch is made of coconut husks. FloriMulch Melaleuca 1.5-cu ft Natural Melaleuca Mulch - Lowes Make sure you choose a premium quality product that does not contain any toxins. Plus, cedar mulch has bug repelling properties fit for gardens. If you have pets and are considering using mulch in your yard, speak to a veterinarian about the risks involved with your pet and certain types of mulch. They are located at Melaleuca, Inc. 4609 West 65th South Idaho Falls, ID 83402 and their phone number is (800) 282-3000. Ingesting needles can damage your pets stomach lining. If you want to grow something that is not on this list, be sure to confirm the plant is non-toxic to dogs. Always monitor your pooch around the garden. Investigate plants thoroughly before adding them to your garden, particularly flowers and fruit-bearing plants. This site is a participant of Amazon Associates Program. Cypress mulch is a very commonly used type of mulch, and luckily cypress is not considered toxic to dogs. This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you buy something through these links. If this occurs, remove the mulch and replace it with a different product. Q: Is melaleuca mulch safe to use? Where can I get it? Signs of an intestinal blockage are vomiting almost immediately after eating or drinking, lethargy, no bowel movements, and a painful abdomen. Cocoa mulch contains varying amounts of two toxic compounds: caffeine and theobromine. As the name implies, a digestive obstruction is a partial or total blockage in the digestive tract, usually in a dogs stomach or intestines. Caution is always good, and shopping for the best mulch for dogs is no exception. Water retention properties are not ideal for climates with high-precipitation. If you are curious about the result, read on. Dr. Libby Guise earned her DVM from the University of Minnesota in 1994. This toxin is dangerous to dogs and your furry companion will probably want to munch on the sweet-smelling cocoa bean mulch. Melaleuca has stayed in business for more than 30 years. Cedar mulch is considered safe for dogs. It is also a good alternative to harvesting native cypress trees. Boric acid is also safe for the soil. Bermudagrass is a good option for big dogs that like to bound and romp around the yard because it has deep roots and does well in high-traffic areas. But pine straw mulch traps the moisture in the soil making the soil more moist. Straw retains water and keeps weeds away. Mulch is an important element of landscape design. She lives with a menagerie of furry and not-so-furry kids, including three dogs, some cats, a grumpy turtle, and her husband. 5 Best Mulch To Avoid Termites [Forever] In Your Yard - How To Murder Pests 8 Best Dog Safe Mulches ( 2 Natural Mulches Included) - Smart Dog Owners This mulch protects the soil and contains binders to create a firm coverage. However, if you are a pet owner, there are a few things to consider when choosing the best dog safe mulches. To use [them] safely, the safe oils should be diluted if used on the skin, Dr. Grewal said. Straw is traditionally used to grow grass seeds but you can use it for garden beds and other areas. Mulch Poisoning in Dogs - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment Best dog safe mulch can cause allergic reactions, such as wheezing or rashes. There are two broad categories of mulch: organic and inorganic. Redwood mulch: Although called "redwood," it isn't actually a product from Redwood trees. Mulches made with salvaged wood are among the cheapest options available, but they contain too many unknowns for pup parents to contend with. It's best to supervise your dog and prevent it from eating any amount of mulch, no matter the type. Like other cedar mulch, it is natural, degradable, and smells good. Termites use these tunnels to commute looking for new sources of food. Cedar wood mulch, cypress heartwood mulch, and melaleuca mulch are hardwood mulches, and they last longer than any other mulches. You should be able to cover 500 square feet with this 2.5 cubic feet cube. Pets love it especially, but if you dont have an animal in your apartment, you can still make use of it. However, if you notice that your dog is chewing more than usual, boredom may be one of the reasons. So at least hes not going to chew on mulch, and there are plenty of other options these toys can offer (e.g. Tea Tree Mulch Benefits: Tea Tree Mulch Uses In The Garden My posts may contain affiliate links. Well share some of the best mulches to use around dogs (and a few of the worst) below. In addition, it has very good absorbency and odor control. This product is also a good option if you need a pet-friendly growth medium for potted plants. Not only that, but the mulch is then (triple shielded to remove excess dust that can irritate your pet and their skin.) This type of mulch has the beneficial properties of pine, and even more. Grass typically doesnt represent much of a safety concern for our pooches, but some varieties will stand up much better to the wear and tear dogs can inflict. Bare ground is an open invitation for animals to dig, so ma. Cocoa bean mulch contains theobromine, the same poisonous ingredient found in chocolate. Since tea tree mulch prevents sun and wind from drying out your soil, your plants are less stressed, even if they aren't getting maximum irrigation. The scent is also fresh and long-lasting, and the odor control is also great. Amish Aromatic Red Cedar Wood Shavings contains no preservatives and no chemicals and is great for keeping bugs (such as moths and ants) away. Watch out for these signs of poisoning in dogs: If you know what your dog ate, give the ASPCA Pet Poison Hotline a call along with your vet. The sweet smell of cocoa mulch is attractive to dogs as well, which may encourage them to eat it. This mulch protects the soil and contains bonding agents to create a solid cover. Termite granules remain active for at least 6-9 months, thereby making it impossible for the termites to make any nests in and around your homes foundation and yard. Rubber mulch is often treated with chemicals, so we wouldnt recommend it for use around dogs. The best part of melaleuca mulch is that it lasts for 2-3 years before it decays. Next to your dogs house or run and Cedarcide is also an effective mulch for your garden, bedding, and lawns, to keep those weeds at bay. We strive to ensure that our readers get most reliable information on the topics we cover. Licorice tree is native to Central Asia. Here are the two steps that you can use right now to get rid of termites in mulch . Best of all, pine bark mulch is readily available around the U.S., and pine trees are fast-growing and quick to replenish, making pine bark one of the most affordable and sustainable mulches. Rubber mulch may be more resistant to windy weather because it is heavier. Termites bore through the wood, eating it from inside. Is Mulch Safe for Dogs to Eat? | The Family Handyman The easy availability of Florimulch makes it cheaper. The company is known for the magnitude and uniqueness of its products. So, these best mulches are neither nutritious nor worth drilling in for the termites. Never take the wait and see approach with poison, as time is of the essence for treatment. Pine needle mulch is another dangerous option if you have a dog. Best Mulch for Repelling Bugs? | ThriftyFun Using mulch is a great way to prepare your garden for a furry friend as it keeps them safe and comfortable at the same time, whatever the weather. Larger chunks of much can cause gastrointestinal obstruction if swallowed. We take great pride in presenting the most accurate and expert-vetted information. Mulch made from cocoa shells is known as cocoa bean mulch, and it is particularly toxic to dogs. Hi, Im Jacob. It has very good absorbency and odor control. As an alternative, use can use borax, too, instead of boric acid. You must choose the perfect type of mulch to make sure it is non-toxic and pet-friendly. Dogs can sometimes be quite smelly. Fluent Woof is reader-supported. This is a very good choice. The antifungal property works wonders not only in keeping termites away but also many other bugs and insects. The chips are huge adequate to resist blowing in the wind. To make things worse for termites, diatomaceous earth sticks on termites bodies. That gives your home and yard long enough protection against termites. Thanks to that sweet smell we mentioned, its also tempting for pups to eat, making it quite dangerous. Cedar mulch is the byproduct of the cedar tree. K9ofMine.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All you need to do is mix one teaspoon of boric acid with one cup of hot water.