small_ManyColorsAndTypesOfMulch.jpg

thumbnail_ManyColorsAndTypesOfMulch.jpg

ManyColorsAndTypesOfMulch.jpg

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

The Many Colors and Types of Mulch

small_HowToChooseTheRightMulch.jpg

thumbnail_HowToChooseTheRightMulch.jpg

HowToChooseTheRightMulch.jpg

There are dozens of types of mulch you can use in your landscape, but which is the right choice? The best type of mulch will depend on many factors, including where it will be used, how fast it decomposes, the look and texture you want, and much more. Here's a guide to help you choose the most appropriate mulch. **Organic Mulch** Organic mulch is usually best over inorganic options like gravel because it decomposes over time and adds nutrients to the soil. Organic mulch shouldn't be used everywhere. In low areas that stay damp, an organic mulch can retain too much water. This can encourage pests and it can cause plants to rot. Each type of organic mulch can accomplish different things, though. To encourage plant growth... Choose an aged organic mulch. This can improve the soil in your garden bed and encourage plant growth. This mulch, which has partially decomposed wood, will keep breaking down and add nutrients to your soil. To control weeds... Look for fresh mulch such as pine bark mulch, cedar mulch, or wood chips. This type of mulch can freshen the appearance of your flowerbeds, but it should only be used if you don't need to improve the soil. This makes it a good choice for mulching around shrubs and trees. It has not started to decompose yet like aged mulch so it will last longer. For long-lasting color... With most organic mulches, the color will turn gray after a year or even sooner. Mulch colored with a vegetable-based dye will offer very long-lasting color. This type of mulch has a red, red-brown, gold, or black color that can last for up to 3 years. For the longest life... If you want an organic mulch that will last as long as possible, a chunky mulch like pine bark nuggets is the best solution. The larger the pieces of bark, the longer the mulch will last before decomposing into smaller pieces. Fine mulch and shredded bark like hardwood, cypress, and cedar can decompose fairly quickly. If you choose large chunk mulch, you can expect it to last for 2-3 years. **Inorganic Mulch** Rock and gravel can be a good choice for some applications. If you have a garden area that is prone to getting washed out, such as near a downspout, it's a good idea to use inorganic mulch to stop erosion. Inorganic mulch can also be the best choice for low areas of your landscaping that can stay too damp with organic mulch. There are downsides with inorganic mulch. It won't add nutrients to your soil and it's not easy to switch out, even though it does last for a long time. Rock mulch can also get very hot. This can bake shallow roots, especially in sunny areas of the lawn. Need advice on choosing the right mulch? Not sure where to start? [GetMulch.com](https://getmulch.com/) can find a professional mulch installer that can help you choose a mulch based on where it will be installed and the types of plants you have.

There are dozens of types of mulch you can use in your landscape, but which is the right choice? The best type of mulch will depend on many factors, including

Posts in "Mulch Types"

The Many Colors and Types of Mulch

How to Choose the Right Mulch for Your Landscape