What Is Floating Mulch?

by April Sanders
Many types of mulch are light enough to float.

Many types of mulch are light enough to float.

Mulch is used to maintain and improve soil quality. Usually composed of organic materials, it adds nutrients to the soil as well as stifles weed growth. Mulch also adds a decorative touch to the landscape. If it doesn't stay in place, however, it can quickly become a nuisance. Floating mulch is mulch that has been washed away from its original location due to heavy rains or flooding conditions.

Types of Mulch

Mulch is usually loosely divided into two groups: organic and non-organic. Organic mulches are derived from living materials like wood, bark and needles. Non-organic mulches are derived from non-living materials. Stone, recycled rubber and landscape cloth are examples of non-organic mulches.

Floating Mulch

Wood floats, so any mulch made out of wood -- such as bark mulch, pine mulch or even mulch made from evergreen needles -- will float if it is flooded by water. Mulches made of nut shells also tend to float. Floating may occur if an underground sprinkler line breaks, if a hose is left on or in a heavy rainstorm. Some types of mulch are less prone to floating than others. Mulch made from cypress wood, for example, is so tightly interwoven that the pieces tend to hang on to each other, preventing them from floating as easily. The removal of cypress trees is a concern, however, so cypress mulch isn't usually recommended, according to the Mississippi State University Extension Service. Eucalyptus is a good alternative, as it is similar to cypress. Stone mulch will not float, nor will recycled rubber mulch.

Preventing Floating Mulch

One way to prevent floating mulch is to simply choose a type of mulch that will not float. Many have "non-floating" written right on the bag. Unfortunately, choosing a non-floating type is not always possible. Often, the most economical choice -- which is usually mulch made of wood chips -- is the most likely to float. In that case, try to choose wood chips that are composed of larger, heavier pieces, rather than finely cut pieces of wood. Restrict lightweight mulch usage to landscape beds that have a raised border. If the area is flooded and the wood floats, the barrier might be enough to keep it contained until the ground can absorb the water.

Other Considerations

Consider the landscape before you choose mulch. Although you do want to think about flooding, there are other things to consider. Rocks are a good choice for areas that do not have plants. If you use rocks over landscape cloth, weeds will not be able to grow, and rocks also come in a great variety of sizes, colors and shapes. Wood mulch is great for around plants, as it improves the soil and helps it retain water, but it isn't great around trees if it is touching the trunk; it can decay the bark and weaken the tree. Rubber mulch, which withstands wind and water, is often used in playgrounds and is a good choice if you have a play area, but it will not benefit plants as it does not enrich the soil.

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