Tree Fern Mulch (Dicksonia antarctica)
Premium Tasmanian Mulch for Healthy, Beautiful Gardens
Tree Fern Mulch is a unique, high-performance garden mulch produced from Dicksonia antarctica, Tasmania’s iconic soft tree fern. Sustainably salvaged under government licence, it is free from additives, chemicals, and contaminants, making it a safe and ethical choice for all gardens - including vegetable and herb beds.
Features of Tree Fern Mulch
Produced from Tasmanian Dicksonia antarctica (Soft Tree Fern)
Naturally fibrous structure for superior water absorption
Dark, fine texture that creates a refined, natural finish
100% pure and chemical-free, sustainably salvaged under licence
Bagged for convenient use in gardens, pots, and landscaping
Benefits of Tree Fern Mulch
Moisture retention: Absorbs and holds water like a sponge, reducing the need for frequent watering.
Soil enrichment: Breaks down slowly, adding organic matter that improves structure, supports microbial life, and promotes strong root systems.
Weed suppression: Creates a dense, natural mat that shades soil and limits weed germination.
Plant safe: Gentle and breathable, ideal for ferns, orchids, rainforest species, native plants, and ornamentals.
Edible garden safe: Free from contaminants, making it trusted for vegetable patches and herb gardens.
Stability & longevity: Resists wind scatter, compaction, and weathering, delivering long-lasting performance.
Premium appearance: Its rich, natural tones enhance garden beds, borders, and pots with a professional finish.
Ethical provenance: Harvested under strict Tasmanian salvage licences, ensuring sustainability and compliance.
Uses of Tree Fern Mulch
Garden beds: Around ferns, orchids, natives, ornamentals, and shrubs.
Vegetable and herb gardens: Pure, chemical-free mulch for healthy, safe food production.
Fruit trees: Conserves moisture, reduces weeds, and improves soil fertility.
Pots and containers: A top layer that locks in moisture and reduces surface drying.
Hanging baskets: Lightweight and moisture-retentive, ideal for lining or topping.
Propagation and seedlings: Blend with soil (30–50%) to create a moisture-stable growing medium.
Feature
Moisture Retention
Soil Improvement
Weed Suppression
Plant Compatibility
Stability
Longevity
Appearance
Purity
Best For
Tree Fern Mulch
Excellent – fibrous texture absorbs & holds water, slowly releasing to roots
Slow, steady breakdown improves soil structure & microbial life
Dense, mat-like layer blocks light & reduces germination
Gentle, breathable, ideal for ferns, orchids, natives, ornamentals
Resists wind scatter & compaction, stays in place
Long-lasting, effective for multiple seasons
Dark, natural tones give a premium, finished look
Pure, chemical-free, sustainably salvaged from Tasmania
Premium gardens, ornamentals, natives, vegetables, herbs
Pine Bark / Wood Chips
Poor–Fair, often repels water when dry
Very slow breakdown, can tie up nitrogen
Gappy coverage, weeds exploit spaces
Can be too coarse; some species leach acids or toxins
Can float in heavy rain or compact over time
Long-lasting but inert (little soil benefit)
Harsh appearance, industrial look
May include mixed species; some chemically treated
Large areas needing cheap cover
Straw / Sugarcane
Fair, holds some moisture but breaks down quickly
Fast breakdown, adds organic matter but disappears quickly
Poor, light penetrates easily; weed seeds may be present
Safe for most plants, but can smother delicate seedlings
Light, blows away easily
Short-lived, needs regular replacement
Untidy as it weathers
Risk of herbicide residue, contaminants, or weed seeds
Veggie patches (short term), soil enrichment
Sustainability Commitment
All tree fern mulch is harvested under strict Tasmanian licensing conditions. This ensures only salvaged material is used, protecting Tasmania’s forests and biodiversity. When you choose tree fern mulch, you support sustainable land practices while enriching your garden with one of nature’s most effective mulching materials.
Where to buy Tree Fern Mulch
Available exclusively by the bag via Clennets Mitre 10, Becks Mitre 10 and various Nurseries and Gardens Centres around Tasmania (more stores to come), ready to use in your home garden. Perfect for premium landscaping projects, native gardens, ornamental plantings, and safe food production.