Mulch Flammability

Conclusion: So, which mulch should a homeowner use and where should they use it? First and foremost, each one of the tested mulches burned and none are 100 percent safe.

Assessing the options to reduce the fire risk of mulch landscaping

Conclusion: This research identified that organic mulch landscaping, such as wood chips and bark, are combustible. Depending on atmospheric conditions this fire risk is substantially multiplied. When organic mulch landscaping is located close to combustible structures the resulting fire can have significant impacts to owners, occupants, and the community a large. 

The Combustibility of Landscape Mulches

Conclusion: All of the mulches evaluated were combustible under the test conditions of dry, hot and windy weather and more than 2½ months of outdoor exposure.

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