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Mulch is a broad term that refers to any product to cover soil. Mulch usually refers to organic material like wood chips, tree bark, or pine needles, but pebbles, gravel, and other inorganic materials can also be considered mulch. If you're planning to have mulch delivered to your property, it's important to explore your options. Mulch comes in a variety of colors, textures, and types to customize the look you can achieve. **Pine Bark** Pine bark is a classic choice popular with gardeners across the country. While most people are only familiar with the large chunk pine bark sold in garden centers, pine bark actually comes in many sizes. Medium or fine pine bark mulch can achieve a more uniform appearance and work best with small plantings. Bark mulch is known for its rich brown color that resists fade very well. This type of mulch is excellent at retaining water which makes it the perfect choice for landscaping around plants, shrubs, and trees. Because bark mulch stays in place very well when it's blown in, it can also be used to cover steep slopes. **Pine Needles** Pine needles, also known as pine straw, are very popular as mulch in the south. Pine straw is a natural-looking mulch that's very lightweight. This mulch is the ideal choice for mulching around plants that like acidic soil. Despite being lightweight, pine needles are a good choice for mulching slopes because the needles don't wash away easily. Pine needles are even harvested from pine forest floors after they are naturally shed by the trees for a renewable, eco-friendly product. **Cypress Mulch** This mulch is popular for its versatility and beautiful color. Unlike dyed options, cypress has a rich, natural color that does not fade quickly. It can be used as landscape mulch, ground cover, or on playgrounds. Cypress mulch also has a distinctive fresh aroma. **Cedar Mulch** Cedar mulch is similar to pine bark as it's made from natural cedar bark. This type of mulch is double shredded for a uniform, light texture that helps regulate ground temperature and retain water. Cedar is a light-colored mulch with a pleasant aroma and a natural oil that helps repel pests. Unfortunately, this can also repel beneficial insects from a garden. Unlike some organic mulches, cedar mulch does tend to decompose quickly. **Eucalyptus Mulch** If you want an eco-friendly option, eucalyptus mulch may be a good choice. This type of mulch comes from eucalyptus plantations in Florida to serve the mulch industry specifically. Eucalyptus trees grow quickly which makes this type of mulch renewable. **Shredded Hardwood** This mulch is a byproduct of paper and lumber industries. It has a few benefits, including easy spread and a long life with slow decomposition. Keep in mind shredded hardwood mulch tends to get compacted over time. It can block nutrients from reaching plant roots when it gets compacted. Not sure which type of mulch is best for your application? A professional mulch installer can help you [choose the right mulch type](https://getmulch.com/) for your needs.

Mulch is a broad term that refers to any product to cover soil. Mulch usually refers to organic material like wood chips, tree bark, or pine needles, but

#Mulch Types

The Many Colors and Types of Mulch