Cocoa Shell Mulch for the Garden

Question

We’ve used cocoa shell mulch in western NY for the plants around the house. Now we are in VA and having difficulty finding the product. Is it no longer recommended, or just not easy to find at landscapers and nurseries? We have been using double shredded hardwood mulch for years now, but it’s messy with mowers and leaf shredders. We are hoping for an alternative like the cocoa shells to reduce the use of hardwood mulch.

Answer 1

There is an internet rumor that cocoa mulch can be harmful to pets. However, there is not much evidence to substantiate it, but it has affected who will buy it, so it is not as available now as it was.