Why is Aged Mulch Better?

Fresh chipped mulch pulls nitrogen from the soil and can starve your plants of nitrogen which can weaken or kill plants and act as a detriment to future growth in that area. Aged mulch does not pull nitrogen from your soil allowing your plants to thrive.

Some plants found in fresh wood chips contain a biochemical (see allelopathy) that can affect or inhibit the growth, survival, and reproduction of other organisms. When your chips are allowed to age this biochemical is effectively diminished, therefore, aged mulch is better for your plants.