Paper mulch, made from recycled newspapers and other paper products, is becoming an increasingly popular hydroseeding medium due it is not the right answer for every landscape construction project.

Drawbacks of Using Paper Mulch

Although paper mulch (also known as cellulose mulch) is more affordable then wood mulch as hydroseeding medium, it does have its share of drawbacks. Below are just a few things to consider before opting for paper:

• Biodegradable – The good news is that paper mulch is biodegradable, but that is also the bad news. Paper mulch disintegrates much faster in the often-harsh New England weather than other mediums, including the traditional wood-fiber mulch.

• Unreliable for Erosion Control. Also due to its biodegradability, paper mulch is generally held to be less effective at erosion control than other types of mulch. In many cases, mulch is needed for stabilization and protecting surfaces and a medium that can easily wash away and will not be effective for very long.

• Few nutrients \’96 As it is made from repeatedly processed and recycled materials, paper mulch has little to no nutrients.  If you are using mulch to enrich seed beds you may want to consider pine or wood-fiber mulch instead.

• Less attractive. Paper mulch is not the right product for showy seed beds. Unlike pine bark or other wood fiber mulch, due to many of its qualities, paper mulch can often appear soggy or patchy.

Alternatives to Paper Mulch

In most cases, Wood Fiber Mulch is frequently a more high-quality and effective medium than Paper Mulch. Unlike Paper Mulch, Wood-Fiber mulch does not disintegrate. When applied through hydroseeding, the wood fibers intertwine creating a three-dimensional layer on the treated soil. This makes it a far superior choice for winter protection, moisture control, and stabilization amongst many other things.

Furthermore, in areas where the general public may view the treated land, Wood Fiber Mulch is considered a far more attractive as well as far more nutrient rich.

Key Takeaway

Due to its affordability and easy application, Paper Mulch can be a good weapon to have in your arsenal, but for long-term solutions and erosion control, you will want to think twice about choosing it as your medium.  All Seasons Landscaping is a strong advocate of wood-fiber mulch as a superior medium for a variety of landscape construction project.

With nearly 40 years of experience, All Seasons Landscaping has all of the skills and knowledge to solve your hydroseeding, erosion control, and landscape construction needs overall. Follow the button below to talk to us about your project.

One of the by-products of large landscape construction projects is the mountains of displaced soil such projects generate. As slopes can be graded and leveled off, the harsh New England rains and occasional tropical storms, hurricanes, or other natural disasters, can make it necessary to stabilize the soil so that they don’t become a hazard.

Why Slope Stabilization is Important 

The State of Connecticut and other New England states set strict standards on slope erosion control and how slopes on landscape construction sites should be handled. Left destabilized, slopes can send landslides of dirt and debris onto the roads or property below them. There can also be danger, as they shift, such slopes can affect the integrity of the foundations of structure above the slope. This can especially concerning during the Fall and Winter months as heavy rains and snow become an issue. 

Preventing Soil Erosion

There are many ways to prevent soil erosion on slopes disturbed by construction, natural disasters, or extensive earth work projects.

4 Ways to Prevent Soil Erosion

1. Hydroseeding – One of the most effective and cost-efficient methods of achieving slope stabilization is by hydroseeding. Grass or native wildflower seeds blown onto slopes set down roots quickly and help encourage soil stabilization. Hydroseeding helps these seeds to germinate more quickly and holds the soil better than dry seeding.

2. Shrubs and Perennials – The North Central Conservation District recommends adding native shrubs and perennial plants as anchors for grass seeds. These plants have deeper roots and can add to the slope’s stability.

3. Hay Mulch – Adding hay mulch, such as hay or straw can help the soil stay in place to provide a temporary slope protection.  It can also be beneficial to install a temporary seeding for example a perennial rye seed mixture to help with the erosion.  The benefit of using natural mulch is that it decomposes and doesn’t have to be removed at a later date.

4. Landscaping Blankets \’96 Erosion control blankets or matting can be very effective at controlling erosion. Made from biodegradable material, erosion control blankets are rolled out over the slope and anchored using staples. They protect the seeds until the root system has had a chance to develop.

Key Takeaways

Soil stabilization isn’t an impossible or budget-breaking task. With modern advances like hydroseeding your site can be compliant and without shut down.

With nearly 40 years of experience, All Seasons Landscaping has all of the skills and knowledge to solve your erosion control and slope stabilization needs in a bind.  Follow the button below to talk to us about your project.