Mulching Tools

Composter

• A composter for your backyard is one of the most valuable mulch-making tools you can buy, as it allows you to make an effective, nutrient-rich mulch quickly. A composter is a bin where you put an assortment of organic materials and occasional other ingredients such as water or worms to create compost. Compost is an highly-prized mulch. Along with the weed-prevention and water-retention properties of other mulches, it also adds nutrients to the soil as it decomposes. If you don't want to buy a composter, you can make one from scrap wood and wire, although an open compost bin takes longer to produce finished compost.

Bag Mowers

• A lawn mower with a bag on it collects grass clippings to use as mulch. Some mowers are specially designed mulching mowers that create a finely chopped mulch that is perfect for leaving on the lawn or for collecting and using elsewhere. Let the grass dry out before you apply it as a mulch and don't apply it in a layer thicker than one inch. If you want a thick mulch around your trees or plants, mix the grass clippings with other mulches.

Wood Chipper

• A wood chipper is useful for homeowners with trees on their property. Wood chips are desirable mulch, but you need a wood chipper to break up the wood into manageable mulching chunks. The resulting mulch from one of these machines is attractive and a superior guard against weeds. The wood chipper breaks branches into small enough pieces that the mulch biodegrades at a suitable rate.

Leaf Shredder

• Dead leaves make good mulch, especially when added to compost or mixed with grass clippings. If you want your leaves to break down quickly though, you should run them through a leaf shredder. Also, mix leaves with grass clippings in the composter to break them down.