Mulch Madness

Mulching your garden is a critical step in keeping your landscaping manicured, so we've found an article that differentiates all types of mulch.

Mulch

In general, it's a variety of organic products that are applied to your garden. Mulch is used to feed the soil as it decomposes, improve your garden's appearance, and retain the soil's moisture, all at the same time.

Organic Mulching Materials

• Bark Mulch
  • Most popular
• Cedar Mulch
  • Cream of the crop
• Colored Mulch
  • Decorative bonus
• Grass Clippings
  • Build the layer with dry grass
• Straw
  • Best for vegetable gardens and newly sown yards
• Leaves
  • Should be shredded
• Pine Bark
  • Attractive and good weed control
• Pine Needles
  • Great for acidic loving trees
• Shredded Hardwood Mulch 
  • Attractive and doesn't wash away easily
• Wood Chips 
  • A nitrogen fertilizer should be used with this
• Pecan Shells 
  • Limited availability 
• Ground Cover 
  • Ivy and such - covers the soil

Inorganic Mulching Materials 

• Gravel, Pebbles, Crushed Stone
  • Permanent and weed controlling
• Black Plastic 
  • Prevents weed growth and holds water in the ground
  • Most effective if placed underground
• Clear Plastic 
  • Increases temperature and may help weeds grow in the spring
• Burlap or Landscape Cloth 
  • Allows water and air to move through

Find more information on the benefits and uses of these different types of mulch at All About Mulch.