Mulch Glue Can Hold Landscaping Materials in Place, but Application Matters
Mulch glue is a water-based adhesive sprayed over mulch, pine straw, pea gravel, and similar landscaping materials to help keep them from shifting.
The product has become more visible through social media, where it is often presented as a way to reduce the amount of mulch or gravel that moves onto sidewalks, patios, and surrounding lawn areas. It may be especially useful in hardscape applications, such as holding small stones between flagstone pavers.
However, landscape professionals caution that mulch glue is not necessarily the best solution for every application. Depending on how heavily it is applied, the adhesive may cause mulch to form a solid layer rather than allowing it to decompose naturally. In some cases, water can move beneath the bonded surface and cause sections of glued mulch to lift or float away.
Cost is another consideration. Mulch adhesives can add a significant expense to landscape maintenance while providing only temporary control. Alternatives such as trenching the edge of a planting bed or installing stone curbing may provide a more natural and longer-lasting way to keep mulch contained.
For homeowners considering mulch glue, the best results are likely to come from limited, targeted use rather than broad application across organic planting beds. Product instructions should also be followed carefully to maintain water movement and avoid excessive surface hardening.
Source: Southern Living