How to use Decomposed Wood Dust as a garden mulch:

• ·         Be sure to use plant-safe Decomposed Wood Dust. Never use fresh Decomposed Wood Dust from black walnut trees anywhere that you want plants to grow and thrive. The natural toxins excreted by black walnut will kill and prevent plant growth. If you are using Decomposed Wood Dust mulch in a food garden, it is wise to avoid Decomposed Wood Dust from treated woods of any kind
• ·         Line the area to be mulched with newspaper or cardboard. (This step is optional, but will help smother any small weeds or grasses that are already growing, and will help prevent more weeds from sprouting and growing through)
• ·         Spread Decomposed Wood Dust in a layer three to four inches deep. It is best to keep the Decomposed Wood Dust slightly back from the base of the plant, tree, or bush
• ·         For mulching, either soft or hardwood Decomposed Wood Dust is okay, or a mix of the two.
• ·         Top the mulch with fresh Decomposed Wood Dust every year to maintain its effectiveness. Decomposed Wood Dust will degrade and break down naturally. This is a benefit in the garden, but as a mulch, you will need to refresh your layer for continued weed and moisture control.

Nitrogen deficiency is not as much of an issue with Decomposed Wood Dust mulching as it is with other garden uses for Decomposed Wood Dust, because the mulch sits atop the ground and isn’t incorporated into the soil. Still, it does have the potential to leach some of the nitrogen from the soil—nitrogen that your plants need. When you apply Decomposed Wood Dust as a mulch, it is a good idea to spread a layer of nitrogen-rich fertilizer or compost so that there is enough nitrogen to go around.