Keep the soil in place<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nYour main goal should be figuring out which mulch material works best for your intended purposes. Start by considering either the organic or the inorganic category.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nOrganic Options for Mulching<\/span><\/h2>\nOrganic mulch consists of natural materials that, given enough time and the right conditions, will gradually degrade. This mulch adds nutrients to the soil as it decays, so while you might have to replace it more often than inorganic options, it\u2019s an automatic fertilizer. You\u2019ll find some favorite organic mulches for residential properties detailed below.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nStraw<\/span><\/h3>\nStraw comes in many varieties, including:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Pinestraw<\/b>: Shed pine needles work great for flower beds.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Hay<\/b>: Reseed lawns and pastures with hay for fuller, fresher growth.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Straw mulches excel at soil moisture retention and winter insulation. These mulching options also break down quickly, nourishing the soil in the process.<\/span><\/p>\nBark Chips<\/span><\/h3>\nWood or bark chips come from mechanically breaking down fallen trees with mulchers. You can choose from different chunk sizes, from small or fine to coarse and thick. Wood chips might also come in different colors to make them more aesthetically pleasing, but be aware that if this is a dye-based coloration, it could harm sensitive plants.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThis landscaping mulching variety works best for:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Weed suppression<\/span><\/li>\n
- Gradual fertilization<\/span><\/li>\n
- Moisture retention<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Depending on the coarseness of the bark chips, you can easily spread it around newly planted saplings, bushes, or larger decorative plants.<\/span><\/p>\nGround Cover<\/span><\/h3>\nTechnically, decorative ground cover plants aren\u2019t mulch. However, a ground cover will still effectively protect certain plants and even bloom or feature gorgeous foliage to enhance the look of flower gardens, tree beds, and stone pathways. For example, some fantastic ground covers that thrive in Louisville, Kentucky, include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Succulents like Stonecrop and Cooper\u2019s ice plant<\/span><\/li>\n
- Flowering varieties like creeping phlox and sweet woodruff\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Grassy plants like Pennsylvania sedge<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
A ground cover will often live harmoniously with non-agricultural plants, prevent soil erosion, and attract native insects, so it\u2019s a great mulch alternative.<\/span><\/p>\nFallen Leaves<\/span><\/h3>\nDo you ever wonder where to put all those raked leaves in autumn? Leaves can make a cost-effective landscaping mulching option when ground up and spread across almost any garden or tree space. You can also use it to overwinter your lawn for fresh, nourished growth in spring.<\/span><\/p>\nProfessionals like Taylor Landscaping love using freshly mulched leaves for:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Boosting nutrient enrichment<\/span><\/li>\n
- Insulating roots<\/span><\/li>\n
- Encouraging beneficial microbes and fungi<\/span><\/li>\n
- Preventing weed growth<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Compost<\/span><\/h3>\nYou can purchase pre-made compost mixtures or create your own from household waste. This mulch contains biodegradable substances for richer, nutrient-dense dirt. Apply it to flower, vegetable, or shrub beds to reap vibrant flowers, homegrown produce, and generally healthy plants.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nCompost mixtures might include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Shredded newspapers, cardboard, and other specific paper materials<\/span><\/li>\n
- Eggshells, pet fur, and human hair<\/span><\/li>\n
- Plant matter like old fruits and vegetables or grass clippings<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Remember, making your own compost heap takes time and lots of specialized mixing and movement. Otherwise, you\u2019ll just have a pile of rotting materials.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nInorganic Options for Mulching<\/span><\/h2>\nUnlike the organic options, inorganic landscaping mulches don\u2019t break down or nurture the soil over time. However, inorganic mulch does last longer and suits some plants better. Here are a few examples.<\/span><\/p>\nStones<\/span><\/h3>\nPebbles, gravel, and moderately sized stones make an attractive ground covering to prevent soil erosion and weeds. In some environments, stones also retain moisture. Your landscaper might recommend stone mulch for hardscapes or succulent and cactus gardens.<\/span><\/p>\nChopped Rubber<\/span><\/h3>\nIf you\u2019re into waste reduction and sustainability, you might appreciate chopped rubber chunks to adorn your landscaping project. This inorganic mulch consists of recycled rubber materials that come from old, discarded tires.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nRecycled rubber will last for decades, and using it as mulch reduces landfill waste, but it isn\u2019t always optimal for gardening and plant growth. The rubber doesn\u2019t nurture the soil, nor does it maintain healthy temperatures and moisture levels. However, it\u2019s excellent in places where people frequently walk, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Playgrounds<\/span><\/li>\n
- Pathways<\/span><\/li>\n
- Hardscaped areas<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Rubber effectively prevents weeds from overtaking such spaces, ensuring a uniform, manicured look.<\/span><\/p>\n