Knowledgebase

mulch...organic? #874637

Asked June 25, 2024, 1:07 PM EDT

Ordered organic un-dyed double shredded hardwood mulch. The delivered mulch a. color is homogenous and just barely lighter in color. Would you expect more color variation in un-dyed versus dyed? b. is triple shredded. I was told that they cannot control the shred texture. c. smell is VERY strong, same smell that all black dyed mulch has. Is this a natural smell? I'm using it in the garden and want to be sure it is organic. How can I test? Should supplier be able to show certificates of compliance or MSDS?

Union County Ohio

Expert Response

Thank you for contacting us regarding your concerns.  Composting facilities are regulated by EPA, and many then also sell mulch.  Depending on the facility, the amount of shred may vary. Here is an article from the BYGL, and Joe Boggs included 2 pictures that may help you compare what you have to typical hardwood mulch.  The whole article is about appropriate mulching, but the pictures are excellent.  https://bygl.osu.edu/index.php/node/1931?utm_campaign=faes_marketing-activity_fy22&utm_content=<personal data hidden>&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2AlXJwajqKj6a5T3j-GLXn9uwUlrZ6olSxHqKs3LFwTBf03cqcKJgklCY_aem_Z57tRbgt30aQox5yFVXLoA

"When acquiring mulch, ensure that it is weed free and organic by purchasing it from a certified producer" is the reccomendation from Utah State University. Many organic producers do test their products. You can see if the place you purchased from has that information, and what is in their mulch.  Is it composted down or just straight hardwood.  Assuming you purchased it loose, not bagged, the smell, should be earthy and not chemically.  

Customer service for the mulch supplier has not answered my questions. However when asked, he did tell me that the mulch is certified organic by the "Mulch and Soil Council" MSC.  From the websites I learned that the owner/founder of the mulch supplier is also the president of MSC. ----- Isn't this a conflict of interest?  -----The customer service guy acknowledged that his company founder has been MSC president for 3 or 4 terms, each term being maybe 4 years long.  

The MSC website makes it clear that they serve the mulch industry (not consumers) and boasts their influence over legislators.  MSC newsletters are meant to organize their mulch industry members to take political action on proposed regulations that will impact their profitability.  

The mulch smells like chemical to me. Also, I found some concerning things in it like chunks of plastic, glass, a large piece of beat up metal, and a partially shredded handle that looks like it came from cheap particle board furniture.  

I bought a heavy metals test kit and a formaldehyde sensor. I don't know how sensitive it will be but can test several samples.  Do you have any suggestions?

The Question Asker Replied July 03, 2024, 2:47 PM EDT
Good morning, and thank you for your question. This goes beyond the scope of our volunteers expertise, I'm afraid.  I would encourage you to express your concerns with the company or even reach out to the BBB.  Thank you again.

Jen
Jennifer Andon Replied July 15, 2024, 11:09 AM EDT

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