Nature has a simple and effective process for feeding and enriching the earth. When plants die or drop their leaves, the organic matter decomposes and returns nutrients to the soil.

During the winter, mulch protects seeds from the cold, and in the spring it holds in moisture to encourage seed germination. If the layer is thick enough, it will discourage new growth and protect established plants.

Gardeners have taken this natural process and turned it into the concept of mulching where a thick layer of organic matter is applied to planting beds and gardens.

    Mulch
    Mulch is an effective barrier to protect your plants and garden beds from natural weather occurrences. (BWFolsom/Getty Images)

    Advantages of Mulch

    Mulching helps the garden by providing:

    • Weed control
    • Soil enrichment
    • Moisture retention
    • Visual appeal

    Mulch
    Knowing the purpose and use of each mulch is handy when deciding which to get. (NoDerog/Getty Images Signature)

    Types of Mulch

    Mulch is both functional and decorative, with many different types available. When choosing mulch, consider the density and texture relative to the plants in your garden. Tender seedlings will have a hard time pushing through a thick layer of coarse mulch while large areas around trees and shrubs may benefit from a heavy weed-preventative barrier.

    While your choice of mulching material should primarily be based on its purpose, it’s also a matter of taste and budget. Some popular options include:

    Organic Mulches that Break Down in One Season

    • Leaves: While readily available, uncomposted leaves are susceptible to blowing winds when dry and can pack down tightly when wet. Perfect for natural areas, they work best in formal gardens when composted first.
    • Grass Clippings: Plentiful during the mowing season, lawn clippings provide great soil amendment but may look messy until they begin to break down.
    • Compost: Compost packs a double punch as both mulch and an excellent organic fertilizer.
    • Paper: A layer of old newspapers work great as a weed barrier underneath mulch or straw. Try to use papers with biodegradable inks. Shredded waste paper may also be used.
    • Hay and Straw: Often used for newly seeded lawns and vegetable gardens since they break down quickly. Hay and straw often contain seeds that may sprout.
    • Other Mulch: Less common (but effective) one-season organic mulches include shredded corn stalks, manure, peat moss, and rice hulls.
    • Wood: The different varieties of mulch made from ground up trees ranges from shredded and stringy to chipped and chunky. Chipped cedar mulch is both attractive and aromatic. Wood mulches come in single- double- and triple-ground, with the price increasing each time it goes through the grinder. For an inexpensive basic mixed ground mulch, check your local landfill – many cities collect and grind lawn and tree waste, then sell it for as little as $5 per pickup load.
    • Bark: Beautiful and durable, bark nuggets have the disadvantage of drifting out of unedged beds, especially in a heavy rain. While relatively expensive, bark can be easily purchased in convenient lightweight bags and provides a nice finished look.
    • Pine Straw: Acid-loving plants love pine straw. Longer needles last longer than shorter ones. In areas with a lot of foot traffic, pine needles tend to break down quickly.
    • Dyed Mulch: Many shredded wood varieties of mulch are now being dyed every color of the rainbow. So if you’ve always wanted the color of your mulch to reflect your favorite sports team, you just might be in luck.
    • Other Mulch: Other multi-season organic mulches include seed and nut hulls, cocoa bean hulls, corn cobs, and sawdust.

    Inorganic Mulch

    • Rubber: Often manufactured to look like wood or bark, recycled rubber mulches are commonly used in playgrounds and walkways. Rubber mulch is the topic of debate among environmentalists, as the benefits of recycling weigh against the potential for off-gassing of toxic chemicals into the air and ground water.
    • Rock: Stone, gravel, and crushed rock are highly resistant to wind and maintain their appearance for years. Since rock absorbs heat, it often gives gardens a parched appearance.

    Rubber
    Rubber mulch is often used in play areas as it is mimicked to look like wood with a softer feel. (Pawel Gaul/Getty Images Signature)

    Applying Mulch

    Spread mulch to a depth of 2” to 4” and keep it back slightly from stems and trunks to avoid smothering the plants. Avoid a “volcano” effect around tree trunks – trees grow their roots to varied and specialized depths and can be sabotaged by an extremely thick layer of mulch.


    Mulch in Garden
    Mulch is not just an effective barrier for your plants, but can be used decoratively as well. (ronstik/Getty Images)

    Beautifying Your Garden with Mulch

    In designing your garden, think of mulch as the elegant background that allows your ornamental plants to show their stuff.

    Mulching not only makes mowing easier around trees but also calls attention to attractive bark and trunk shapes. For a balanced appearance around small ornamental trees, consider making the mulch ring the same diameter as the treetop.

    Mulch can also be used to set off an area in a pleasing shape and act as a design feature in its own right to:

    • Eliminate the need to grow grass in a shady area.
    • Accentuate a prize tree or shrub.
    • Provide a shapely curve in the overall lawn design.

    Also consider using more then one type of mulch for design purposes.

    While river stones often appear white or gray when dry, they can display beautiful colors when wet.

    Whatever your design or purpose, your plants will be protected from extreme temperatures, weeds, and short dry spells by a protective layer of mulch.

    Further Reading

    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Danny Lipford

    Danny Lipford

    Founder

    Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

    Learn More