Spreading a layer of mulch over exposed soil areas of your garden and landscape bed areas can save you a enormous amount of time and energy. Mulch helps your soil retain water, requiring much less irrigation. It also serves as a outstanding way to prevent weeds from growing in your landscape beds.
Shredded Bark Mulch:
One of the most popular and least expensive mulch types is Shredded Bark. The most common source for this bark is from cedar trees, but that without doubt is not the only source. Shredded Bark is a popular choice for sloped banks because it breaks down rather slowly and it holds together very well. Since it is most often a byproduct of the lumber industry, this mulch is considered very environmentally friendly.
Using Shredded Leaf Mulch:
People who deal with disposal of a lot of fall leaves can put them to good use as a mulch to winter protect their plants. Not only do they add nutrients to the soil as they break-down, they supply cold protection to the plant roots. Just make sure that you shred your leaves prior to spreading as whole leaves are not an effective mulch because of their matting tendencies.
Grass Clippings:
Grass clippings is another notable free source of mulch. Grass can additionally cause matting as well as rotting and odors. To prevent this, spread the grass in thin layers and make sure it is pre-dried. Also, since grass is nitrogen-rich, it will supply your plants with much needed nitrogen.
Straw Mulch:
Shredded Bark Mulch:
One of the most popular and least expensive mulch types is Shredded Bark. The most common source for this bark is from cedar trees, but that without doubt is not the only source. Shredded Bark is a popular choice for sloped banks because it breaks down rather slowly and it holds together very well. Since it is most often a byproduct of the lumber industry, this mulch is considered very environmentally friendly.
Using Shredded Leaf Mulch:
People who deal with disposal of a lot of fall leaves can put them to good use as a mulch to winter protect their plants. Not only do they add nutrients to the soil as they break-down, they supply cold protection to the plant roots. Just make sure that you shred your leaves prior to spreading as whole leaves are not an effective mulch because of their matting tendencies.
Grass Clippings:
Grass clippings is another notable free source of mulch. Grass can additionally cause matting as well as rotting and odors. To prevent this, spread the grass in thin layers and make sure it is pre-dried. Also, since grass is nitrogen-rich, it will supply your plants with much needed nitrogen.
Straw Mulch:
Another common organic option for mulch is the use of straw. Straw breaks down a bit slower than does either leaves or grass, and it has a outstanding-looking golden hue. One caution you ought to be aware of though. Often straw also includes weed seeds, and you could have headaches with more of a weed problem than you are trying to solve.
Compost Mulch You Make Yourself:
Compost mulch is one of the better organic mulch options. It is dark and genuinely sets off the planting beds nicely. Also, it adds significantly to the nutrients in the soil.
Pine Needle Mulch or Pine Straw:
This mulch is frequently used around acid-loving plants, and is another fantastic organic option. It is also known as pine straw. It breaks down comparatively slowly and hold together very well, making it a common option for steep slopes and embankments. Blueberries, azaleas, rhododendrons, and other conifers are popular planting options in this type of mulch.
Pine Bark Nuggets:
Pine Bark Nuggets tend to float and they are easily washed away during periods of heavy rain. Therefore, do not use them on steeply sloped areas. They are slow to break down and are available in a variety of sizes. Generally the larger the nugget, the longer it will take to break down.
Using Wood Chips as Mulch:
Another outstanding free source of mulching material is wood chips. You can either chip you own or obtain them from local tree trimming companies. They will provide you with an excellent weed barrier and break down somewhat slowly. The new chips will rob your soil of nitrogen, and add acid to your soil as well.
Using Cocoa Hulls for Mulch:
If you are interested one of the richest looking mulch materials, take a look at Cocoa Bean Hulls. It is one of the more pricey options out there though. Many gardeners justify the extra expense because of its deep, rich color, chocolate fragrance, and very long-lasting qualities.
One caution if you use this mulch. There are many sources that suggest if the hulls are ingested by dogs or cats, they can be poisoned.
River Rock and Gravel Mulches:
If you use any of the rock materials, and it is installed properly, it will never need replacement as it doesn't break down. Negatives include: It is hard to dig up and split perennials, and because the rock does not break down, no nutrients are added to your soil.
Shredded Rubber Used as Mulch
A couple of outstanding things about using recycled rubber as a mulch material is you are diverting this product from the land fill, and preventing the destruction of trees.
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Compost Mulch You Make Yourself:
Compost mulch is one of the better organic mulch options. It is dark and genuinely sets off the planting beds nicely. Also, it adds significantly to the nutrients in the soil.
Pine Needle Mulch or Pine Straw:
This mulch is frequently used around acid-loving plants, and is another fantastic organic option. It is also known as pine straw. It breaks down comparatively slowly and hold together very well, making it a common option for steep slopes and embankments. Blueberries, azaleas, rhododendrons, and other conifers are popular planting options in this type of mulch.
Pine Bark Nuggets:
Pine Bark Nuggets tend to float and they are easily washed away during periods of heavy rain. Therefore, do not use them on steeply sloped areas. They are slow to break down and are available in a variety of sizes. Generally the larger the nugget, the longer it will take to break down.
Using Wood Chips as Mulch:
Another outstanding free source of mulching material is wood chips. You can either chip you own or obtain them from local tree trimming companies. They will provide you with an excellent weed barrier and break down somewhat slowly. The new chips will rob your soil of nitrogen, and add acid to your soil as well.
Using Cocoa Hulls for Mulch:
If you are interested one of the richest looking mulch materials, take a look at Cocoa Bean Hulls. It is one of the more pricey options out there though. Many gardeners justify the extra expense because of its deep, rich color, chocolate fragrance, and very long-lasting qualities.
One caution if you use this mulch. There are many sources that suggest if the hulls are ingested by dogs or cats, they can be poisoned.
River Rock and Gravel Mulches:
If you use any of the rock materials, and it is installed properly, it will never need replacement as it doesn't break down. Negatives include: It is hard to dig up and split perennials, and because the rock does not break down, no nutrients are added to your soil.
Shredded Rubber Used as Mulch
A couple of outstanding things about using recycled rubber as a mulch material is you are diverting this product from the land fill, and preventing the destruction of trees.
This is a
Pine Bark Nuggets tend to float and they are easily washed away during periods of heavy rain. Therefore, do not use them on steeply sloped areas. They are slow to break down and are available in a variety of sizes. Generally the larger the nugget, the longer it will take to break down.
Using Wood Chips as Mulch:
Another outstanding free source of mulching material is wood chips. You can either chip you own or obtain them from local tree trimming companies. They will provide you with an excellent weed barrier and break down somewhat slowly. The new chips will rob your soil of nitrogen, and add acid to your soil as well.
Using Cocoa Hulls for Mulch:
If you are interested one of the richest looking mulch materials, take a look at Cocoa Bean Hulls. It is one of the more pricey options out there though. Many gardeners justify the extra expense because of its deep, rich color, chocolate fragrance, and very long-lasting qualities.
One caution if you use this mulch. There are many sources that suggest if the hulls are ingested by dogs or cats, they can be poisoned.
River Rock and Gravel Mulches:
If you use any of the rock materials, and it is installed properly, it will never need replacement as it doesn't break down. Negatives include: It is hard to dig up and split perennials, and because the rock does not break down, no nutrients are added to your soil.
Shredded Rubber Used as Mulch
A couple of outstanding things about using recycled rubber as a mulch material is you are diverting this product from the land fill, and preventing the destruction of trees.
This is a fantastic, environmentally friendly alternative to other mulch types as it doesn't need replacement. Also, it is heavy and stays in place, stays looking good, and keeps its new color. Additionally, it can be applied in much thinner layers because it does not decay or compact. Typically spread this mulch at 1.5 inches as opposed to the more typical mulch materials at 3 inches.
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Using Wood Chips as Mulch:
Another outstanding free source of mulching material is wood chips. You can either chip you own or obtain them from local tree trimming companies. They will provide you with an excellent weed barrier and break down somewhat slowly. The new chips will rob your soil of nitrogen, and add acid to your soil as well.
Using Cocoa Hulls for Mulch:
If you are interested one of the richest looking mulch materials, take a look at Cocoa Bean Hulls. It is one of the more pricey options out there though. Many gardeners justify the extra expense because of its deep, rich color, chocolate fragrance, and very long-lasting qualities.
One caution if you use this mulch. There are many sources that suggest if the hulls are ingested by dogs or cats, they can be poisoned.
River Rock and Gravel Mulches:
If you use any of the rock materials, and it is installed properly, it will never need replacement as it doesn't break down. Negatives include: It is hard to dig up and split perennials, and because the rock does not break down, no nutrients are added to your soil.
Shredded Rubber Used as Mulch
A couple of outstanding things about using recycled rubber as a mulch material is you are diverting this product from the land fill, and preventing the destruction of trees.
This is a fantastic, environmentally friendly alternative to other mulch types as it doesn't need replacement. Also, it is heavy and stays in place, stays looking good, and keeps its new color. Additionally, it can be applied in much thinner layers because it does not decay or compact. Typically spread this mulch at 1.5 inches as opposed to the more typical mulch materials at 3 inches.
About the Author:
Mulch is a great way to conserve water, minimize weed growth and give you a great looking border, be sure to learn more at our article Landscape Mulch. If you would like to live a greener life-style, you can learn how at our site Green Living Made Easy.