Know What Type Of Mulch You Need Before You Visit The Garden Center

Posted on: 9 March 2017

Now that spring has arrived, it is time for you to perform some post-winter maintenance on your home's landscaping. One important aspect of keeping your plants and bushes healthy is surrounding them with the correct type of mulch. Since there are many different types of mulch for sale at your local garden center, you need to make sure that you know which is the right type to purchase.   

Here is some information on the various types of landscaping mulch on the market today to help with your selection process:

Bark Mulch

Bulk mulch is a staple in many larger landscapes. This type of mulch is made from the bark of trees that is removed during the milling process. Bark mulch is prized because it looks wonderful and will last for many years without any maintenance. Bark mulch should always be installed over landscaping fabric to keep weeds from growing each spring.

Wood Chip Mulch

If you do not like the look of bark mulch, but still want to use a natural wood product, then you can use wood chip mulch. This type of mulch is made by mechanically chipping and shredding natural hardwood logs. Hardwood mulch will last on your landscaping for a year, and then it will need to be replenished. As the mulch breaks down, it helps to build a healthy soil. 

Straw Mulch

If you have vegetables or other plants growing in your landscaping that you need to keep moist but also need to allow the soil to breathe, then straw is the perfect mulch to use. Straw has been used as a mulch by gardeners for centuries. As the straw ages and breaks down, it adds valuable nutrients into the soil to help your plants produce more vegetables.

Recycled Rubber Mulch

If you want to install a long-lasting mulch that will not degrade in the weather, then a recycled rubber product is perfect. This type of mulch is made from old tires and other rubber materials, and it helps to keep them out of landfills. 

Gravel Mulch

Finally, if you need to mulch around a large hedge or tree, then gravel is the best thing you can use. The gravel will prevent weeds from growing and will keep the soil moist. While the rocks will heat and are not ideal for use around small plants, they are perfectly fine for use around established hedges, bushes, and trees.

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