Different Types of Mulch & Where to Use Them
Spring has arrived and before we know it, we’ll be diving into summer. With warm weather approaching and nature flourishing, now is the perfect time to spruce up the yard, build a beautiful garden, or landscape your lawn. If you have all the tools and you’re ready to get your hands dirty but you’re not quite sure what mulch to use, read on! Our expert landscapers have put together an easy-to-use guide on the various types of mulch.
Mulch Color
Brown and red mulch are the most popular colors. Take a look below to learn a bit more about each type of mulch.
Red Mulch: Often used at offices, parks, and restaurants, red mulch is commonly seen at commercial buildings. Red mulch is perfect for shrubs, plants and trees, along with gorgeous rock gardens.
Brown Mulch: Both dark and light brown mulch make plants appear vibrant and lively. It’s a simple choice for businesses and homeowners with a variety of plants and shrubs. Brown mulch is a safe choice as it looks beautiful in nearly every lawn or pathway.
Organic vs Inorganic Mulch
Organic mulch improves the soil as it decomposes so it should be used as much as possible. Aged organic mulch is a partially decomposed wood product that improves the soil and significantly helps with plant growth. As it decomposes, it provides nutrients to the soil.
Fresh organic mulch like wood chips and bark help to control weeds and improve appearance. This mulch will also enrich the soil as it decomposes and it lasts longer than aged mulch.
Here are some quick and helpful facts regarding organic mulch:
- Conserves soil moisture
- Good for perennials, trees, shrubs, fruits, and vegetable gardens
- Needs to be replaced once a year
- Reduces evaporation and preserves water
Inorganic mulch doesn’t need to be replenished because it doesn’t decompose. Inorganic mulches include stone, rock, lava rock, crusher dust, pulverized rubber, and landscape fabrics. Any type of inorganic mulch is going to increase curb appeal as well as control weeds.
- Used for aesthetic purposes
- Not recommended for annual gardens
- Don’t need to be replaced often
- Better at deterring weed growth than organic mulch
Rocks and stones should be installed in the spring because they heat the soil, making it easier to plant fruits and vegetables.
Popular Types of Mulch
There are several types of mulch you’ll find on both commercial and residential properties. Take a look below to explore the different types of mulch.
- Fresh wood chips: It takes years for wood chips to completely break down so many homeowners buy these due to longevity. Gardeners often use wood chips for paths and permaculture gardens.
- Compost: While compost breaks down quickly, it adds to the soil structure the quickest. Compost is also darker so it really makes plants pop.
- Tripled Ground Aged: This is a naturally brown mulch that is lovely with newly installed plants.
- Double Ground: Double ground is the perfect option for weed suppression, water retention, and erosion control.
SV Enterprises offers a wide range of mulch and landscape materials including limestone screenings, torpedo sand, pea gravel, and so much more.
