Mulch and jumping works - Ask Extension
I was told that I shouldn’t buy bulk mulch that is on the ground due to jumping worms.
Is that what you recommend?
What type should I get?
Knowledgebase
Mulch and jumping works #929110
Asked April 21, 2026, 1:27 PM EDT
I was told that I shouldn’t buy bulk mulch that is on the ground due to jumping worms.
Is that what you recommend?
What type should I get?
Anoka County Minnesota
Expert Response
Kyungsoo Yoo, University of Minnesota professor in the Department of Soil, Water and Climate, says, “We have identified mulch and mulch trades as the most important mechanism that introduces jumping worms."
https://maes.umn.edu/news/jumping-worms-2022
The advice you were given is timely. Nevertheless, bulk mulch might be acceptable depending upon how the material has been processed and managed.
Ask suppliers to discuss measures they have taken to prevent jumping worm spread before purchasing their products.
Following is a thorough discussion of Nursery & Landscape Best Management Practices (BMPs) to Reduce Spread of Jumping Worms published by the Minnesota Nursery andLandscape Association.
https://www.mnla.biz/news/677301/2024-Updated-Nursery--Landscape-Best-Management-Practices-BMPs-to-Reduce-Spread-of-Jumping-Worms.htm
Learn more here:
https://ask.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=788855
https://jwp.cfans.umn.edu/resources/faq
https://maes.umn.edu/news/jumping-worms-2022
The advice you were given is timely. Nevertheless, bulk mulch might be acceptable depending upon how the material has been processed and managed.
Ask suppliers to discuss measures they have taken to prevent jumping worm spread before purchasing their products.
Following is a thorough discussion of Nursery & Landscape Best Management Practices (BMPs) to Reduce Spread of Jumping Worms published by the Minnesota Nursery andLandscape Association.
https://www.mnla.biz/news/677301/2024-Updated-Nursery--Landscape-Best-Management-Practices-BMPs-to-Reduce-Spread-of-Jumping-Worms.htm
Learn more here:
https://ask.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=788855
https://jwp.cfans.umn.edu/resources/faq
