As a gardener, mulch can be one of your greatest allies. This often-neglected stuff maintains soil moisture and temperature while blocking the growth of weeds around plants you do not want. While there are lots of types of mulch you can use, there are some you may want to avoid:

  • Sawdust or wood chips (from a sawmill or cabinet shop) that have not rotted or decomposed may rob nitrogen from your soil and therefore your plants.
  • Some mulch, like oak leaves and pine straw, will add acid to your soil (this may be good or bad depending on your soil’s pH).
  • Finally, if you’re looking for a deal, don’t buy mulch by the bag. Find a nursery or landscaper who will sell it by the truckload and pick it up or have it delivered.
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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.

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