Differences in Mulch

Pine Needles

• Where there are a lot of pine trees, there are also a lot of pine needles. Collect attractive pine needle mulch from your yard or purchase it from a garden center. This mulch is highly resistant to weeds and has an enduring quality. Pine needles work well around trees and shrubs, but can also be incorporated into other garden types. Although pine needles are acidic, this will not seriously affect soil pH.

Stone

• Although not organic, stone makes an excellent mulch around trees and shrubs. Since stone doesn't decay, it does not need to be replaced as often as other forms of mulch. When placed on top of landscape fabric, stones are an extremely low-maintenance option. If you have flower beds where you are not going to be planting frequently, river rock pea-gravel or smaller cut stones are elegant and lasting options.

Leaves

• Soil is markedly improved by the addition of leaves. Leaves break down quickly and add considerable nutrients to the soil. Leaves should be left to decay for a few weeks before placing in the garden. Beware of using large or deeply piled leaves around small or new plants, as their weight and size can quickly smother a plant. Shredding the leaves is the best option, unless you're using them around larger plants, shrubs or trees. Because of their availability, leaves are ideal for the frugal gardener.

Lawn Clippings

• Lawn clippings are free and readily available, but they're also extremely high in nitrogen. A load of fresh-cut grass placed in a garden will mat together and ferment, causing death to plants. For use as mulch, clippings should be dried thoroughly and mixed with shredded leaves or other low-nitrogen material. Do not use grass clippings if you treat your lawn with herbicides. Weedy grasses such as crabgrass or Bermuda should not be used as mulch.

Wood Chips

• Wood chip mulch can be made at home with the help of a wood-shredder and some limbs. This is a dangerous task and should only be attempted by those who have operated a wood-shredder before. Professional tree companies often have wood chip mulch for sale. Wood chips are a solid and attractive mulch ideal for garden paths, shrubbery, trees and larger garden areas.

Compost

• Compost makes an excellent soil amendment that can be made at home, but it doesn't do so well as a mulch. Weeds thrive in this decomposed organic matter, and it is also extremely lightweight. Instead of using compost for a mulch, work it into the soil, then cover it with a heavier mulch material.

Shredded Bark

• Shredded bark is available in a number of colors and sizes. This is a durable mulch option that offers aesthetic value as well as longevity. Because it is heavy, bark doesn't easily wash away and can withstand wind. Choose natural colors over dyed, as the chemicals in the dye will leach into the garden and adversely affect soil quality over time.

Straw

• Although an excellent option for winter vegetable garden cover, straw is not particularly well-suited to other garden beds. It is inexpensive but must be re-applied often, as it breaks down quickly. Straw is not a good choice in arid climates with a high fire risk.

Rubber Mulch

• Much debate exists over using ground-up tires for mulch around the home and in playgrounds. Tire mulch does not deteriorate rapidly, and therefore does not need to be replaced as often as organic matter. However, this mulch is also high in zinc and other heavy metals, which can destroy ornamental plants. The mulch also emits a rather strong odor, which some homeowners find offensive. Also of concern is the fact that rubber is highly flammable and difficult to extinguish once ignited.