Landscape Mulch Ideas

Bark Nuggets

• Bark nuggets are an organic type of mulch that come from shredded tree bark. Bark nuggets come in a variety of shades and sizes. Bark nuggets are attractive but are lightweight and can wash away in heavy rains or floods. It is unwise to use bark nuggets in an area with water run-off problems. Bark nuggets are a good choice around trees and shrubs. Lay down a 2 to 4 inch layer for best results.

Compost

• Compost is a type of organic mulch. It is the result of the breakdown of organic materials such as food scraps, grass clippings and leaves. Compost is very high in nutrients that are readily available to the plants. The drawbacks of using compost as a mulch is that it is not as decorative as other types of mulch. Compost looks like rich garden soil. Compost does not prevent weed growth, weeds may grow from the compost due to viable seeds left over from the decomposing process. Lay down a 3-inch layer of compost as mulch in a vegetable garden where aesthetics are not important.

Pine Straw

• Pine straw is an organic mulch that is high in nutrients. A layer of pine straw will help deter weed growth for short periods of time. Pine straw decomposes quickly and will last for only about one growing season. Pine straw is a good choice for mulching over freshly planted grass seeds. You can also use pine straw in a vegetable garden for added nutrients. If you like the visual interest that straw adds, lay a 3-inch layer of straw around plants in a flower bed.

Gravel

• An inorganic type of mulch is gravel. Gravel mulches may be pebbles, crushed rock or lava rocks. You can choose from different sizes and colors when using this mulch. Gravel mulches are very effective at keeping the soil warm, even during the winter months. It is also a permanent mulch since it will not decompose. Use a border around gravel mulch to prevent pebbles from spilling out of the planting area. Gravel mulches are a good choice for foundation, rock and Japanese gardens.

Landscape Fabric/Black Plastic

• Landscape fabric and plastic sheets are a type of inorganic mulch. This type of mulch comes in rolls to lay across the planting area. It will need tacked on the corners or buried to avoid the mulch sliding out of place. This is very effective at keeping weeds out of the garden. It stops sunlight from reaching the soil in covered areas. The dark color also absorbs sunlight to keep the soil warm. Do not use landscape fabric in areas that do not drain well. The black plastic mulch will hold moisture in the soil possibly causing root disease. Covering the fabric or plastic with another more decorative mulch will lead to a more aesthetically pleasing result.