Gorilla Hair Mulch

Gorilla hair mulch is not a species of tree, it is a texture and grading of bark, almost always redwood or red cedar, shredded finely into long, stringy fibers rather than chipped into chunks or nuggets. That shredding process is what gives the product its shaggy, hair-like look and its name, which stuck mainly on the West Coast where redwood and cedar byproducts are widely available from regional mills. The natural oils in redwood and cedar make the fibers somewhat more insect and rot resistant than softer wood mulches, and they hold color longer, which is why this product typically lasts 3 to 4 years compared to one or two seasons for many shredded hardwood mulches. It is sold in its natural reddish brown to dark brown color, or dyed black with a non-toxic colorant for a more uniform, formal look against pavers, stone, and building facades.

Because gorilla hair's whole value proposition is the mat it forms, installation technique matters more than with chunky mulch. Clear the bed of weeds first, since the interlocked fibers make it hard to pull anything out once matted. Apply at 2 to 4 inches, not deeper, because piling it thicker traps moisture and air away from roots and slows water penetration even further. On slopes, rake it into a consistent layer and consider light staking or a jute net until the fibers knit together over the first few weeks. Keep it a few inches back from tree trunks and house siding to avoid trapping moisture against bark or wood, since mulch volcanoes invite rot and pests regardless of material. After the first watering or rain, expect the surface to begin binding into a single mat rather than staying loose like bark chips.

Compared with shredded hardwood or chunky bark mulch. Gorilla hair's long fibers interlock into a stable mat that resists wind and slope erosion far better than chunky bark, which stays loose and can float or migrate in heavy rain. Chunky mulch decomposes faster and enriches soil sooner, while gorilla hair lasts longer but returns organic matter more slowly.

Compared with pine straw. Pine straw is lighter, cheaper, and breaks down within about a year, while gorilla hair holds up 3 to 4 years. Pine straw drains between needles more easily and suits acid-loving plants, whereas gorilla hair's tight mat sheds surface water more than it lets it soak through.

How much do I need to order. Use the formula square footage times depth in inches, divided by 324, to get cubic yards. At the recommended 3 inch depth, 1 cubic yard covers roughly 100 to 110 sq ft, versus about 160 sq ft at 2 inches or 324 sq ft at just 1 inch. Measure your bed or slope area first, decide on depth based on how much erosion resistance you need, and round up slightly since matted fiber settles over time and thin spots invite weeds.

How it is sold and delivered. Gorilla hair mulch is sold and delivered in bulk by the cubic yard, dropped as a loose pile at your property for larger beds, slopes, or commercial jobs. It is heavier than chunky bark once wet, roughly 400 to 800 lbs per cubic yard loose, so plan equipment or extra hands for spreading larger orders across sloped or hard-to-reach areas.