Choosing mulch

Picking the Right Mulch

One cubic yard of mulch (or nine 3-cu. ...
Choose organic mulch if you want to both cover the soil and enrich it.
The faster the type of mulch percolates water, the longer it lasts. ...
Mulch nuggets easily wash away on slopes. ...
Plan on applying shredded bark mulch about 3 inches deep. ...
Avoid buying cypress mulch.

What is the best type of mulch?
What color of mulch is best?
Are there different qualities of mulch?
What is the best mulch to prevent weeds?
Will mulch attract bugs?
What kind of mulch lasts the longest?
What should I put down before mulching?
Does black mulch attract termites?
Do you need to mulch every year?
How often should you mulch?
What is the most natural mulch?
Will mulch prevent weeds?

What is the best type of mulch?

Shredded bark is one of the best mulch types to use on slopes and it breaks down relatively slowly. Some shredded bark mulches are byproducts from other industries and are considered environmentally friendly.

What color of mulch is best?

There are three basic colors for mulch: black, brown and red. If you plant dark foliage or dark green colors, almost any mulch color works. As a general rule of thumb for flowers, pick a mulch color that does not work against the color of your blooms. For example, white flowers look beautiful with red mulch.

Are there different qualities of mulch?

Broadly speaking, homeowners select from two basic types of mulch: organic and inorganic.

Organic mulches.
Inorganic mulches.
ORGANIC MULCH: Wood Chips, Nuggets, or Bark.
ORGANIC MULCH: Straw.
ORGANIC MULCH: Grass Clippings or Shredded Leaves.
ORGANIC MULCH: Newspaper or Cardboard.
ORGANIC MULCH: Cocoa Chips.

What is the best mulch to prevent weeds?

Straw is often used in vegetable gardens, but it tends to contain many weed seeds. Grass clippings are also popular, but they lack aesthetic appeal. Your best bet is bark mulch, such as Scotts® Nature Scapes® Color Enhanced Mulch or Scotts® Nature Scapes® Triple Shred Mulch.

Will mulch attract bugs?

The answer is no. The mulch itself won't attract bugs, pests, or rodents, but will provide shelter for them if they're already present in your garden or backyard.

What kind of mulch lasts the longest?

Generally more expensive than the other mulches mentioned here, cedar mulch lasts longer than most mulches thanks to its resistance to decay. Its oils are considered to naturally repel insects, too. BECAUSE this mulch is long lasting, it doesn't provide much nutritional benefit to the soil beneath it.

What should I put down before mulching?

How to prepare mulch beds

Kill and remove weeds. ...
Trim nearby trees and bushes. ...
Rake your mulch bed. ...
Cultivate the soil. ...
Edge your mulch bed. ...
Smooth out your mulch bed. ...
Treat your mulch bed. ...
Start mulching!

Does black mulch attract termites?

The moist environment encourages termites to explore the area by digging thin tunnels and looking for food (i.e., wood). The mulch provides cover for this exploration. ... Mulch doesn't necessarily attract termites, but can serve as an invite for them to feast on your house.

Do you need to mulch every year?

Because traditional mulch breaks down over the course of a year, it is vital to re-apply it annually, and spring is a prime time to do so. Mulch does so much more than creating a picturesque landscape.

How often should you mulch?

Don't use too little or too much mulch

About 3 inches of mulch is recommended for beds, and Becker recommends mulching twice a year. Mulching with the right amount each time will help fend off weeds and conserve moisture, which will reduce your need to irrigate.

What is the most natural mulch?

Most people's gardens grow plants that prefer their soil neutral to sweet (alkaline). Hardwood bark mulch is the best for those plants. It decomposes into a rich, sweet-smelling black dirt, and it looks ever so tidy while doing it. Plus, hardwood bark mulch is the best for amending your soil.

Will mulch prevent weeds?

Whether you choose wood chips, bark nuggets, straw, or even pine needles, keep the mulch coming to smother out weeds. Mulch benefits plants by keeping the soil cool and moist and depriving weeds of light.