Different types of mulch materials

1 - Wood
 

The most commonly used mulch materials are bark and wood chips. Wood from trees like pine, cedar and cypress can improve the quality of your garden. These woods are both durable and cheap. They have a great smell and look good on all landscapes. When you opt for wood mulch, make sure it’s big and fresh. This is because fresh wood mulch doesn’t break easily. If your garden has paths and slopes, you should pick shredded mulch. These mulch materials can be bought from garden centers.

2 – Straw
 

Less ornamental mulch would be “Straw”. It works wonders in vegetable gardens and lawns that are newly seeded. Straw works well in seeded/vegetable gardens because it becomes nutritional with time. Decayed straw can enrich the soil with many essential nutrients. Indeed, it makes walking around lawns and vegetable gardens easy. Straw mulch is also useful winter. Nonetheless, you should make sure straw doesn’t have weed seeds in it. Further, you should be aware that straw can attract certain types of vermin and rodents.

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Nowadays, gardeners opt for cypress mulch. Once again, you should be careful when the kind of cypress mulch you pick. Cypress trees from wetlands are known for its nutrition value. Likewise, you can go for pine needles. Fresh, two inch pine needles are ideal for shrubs and acidic trees. These needles are both attractive and predominantly nutritional.

3 – Rocks and Pebbles
 

Rock mulch looks great in flower beds. Rocks are a great way to absorb moisture in your garden and avoid rot. However, this mulching option is on the expensive end.

4 – Organic
 

Last but certainly not least, you can opt for organic mulch varieties. This includes shredded or compost leaves. With time, these materials can add more nutrients to soil. It works by breaking down and adding a new soil layer. Organic mulch works well with flower and vegetable gardens. What’s more organic mulch doesn’t have to cost you a thing. After mowing, simply place the contents around your plants.

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