Oak Mulch

[OnoraOtoole]

This is the first time I've been on a message board so bear with me.

Very soon, we will saddly be taking down a very large oak in our back yard. It was never cared for very well and saddly, its in bad shape.

The company that will be taking it down has said they would be very glad to mulch up what they can and leave it for me for my flower beds if I'd like.

I mention this to my father, and he goes off about how Oak wood (mulch) would be very harmful for my flowerbeds since he says Oak is very acidic in nature.

I am having problems finding any information on such a claim on the internet, so I thought I would pose this question to everyone on this board.

Can anyone help with this question? Will oak mulch be bad for my flower beds/soil? (Oh, I live in Omaha, NE if that helps with anything).

Thank you for your help

[Newt]

Hi Onora,

Yes, oak trees are high in acid. No, they won't hurt your flowers if the tree is not diseased, the wood chips are aged or fresh and spread thinly and not on top of the roots of plants. If the tree is being removed because of disease DO NOT keep the mulch. You will need to let the mulch age for up to a year before you can use it on close to the roots of your plants. Another thought here (been there, made the mistake) is that for flowers, a wood chip mulch is usually too large a size mulch. I use shredded wood or shredded bark, but it's always aged.

As the wood ages it heats up and can damage the roots of your plants so you need to keep it away from the roots of your plants and spread it thinly. Scroll down here to 'FRESHLY CHIPPED WOOD MULCHES'.
http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/s...440018388.html

You can also tell your father that most plants prefer a soil that is slightly acidic, so using the oak isn't a problem. Just have the wood chipped small and if you are keeping it all, get a discount. Your tree people PAY to dispose of the tree - shredded, chipped or otherwise. :)
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distrib...s/1731-29.html
http://www.savvygardener.com/Features/soil_ph.html

You did very well for a first time! :)

Hope this helps,
Newt