Got Mulch? How to Choose the Right Type for Your Yard

If you have recently decided to mulch, then you should spend a little time studying some of the pros and cons of the most popular mulching materials. Generally speaking, adding mulch to your yard boosts plant vitality and growth because it lessens the chances of weeds, plus it strengthens soil moisture.

Additionally, when you use mulch, it increases your garden’s aesthetic factor since the material provides a consistent look and pattern to your landscaping design. Then again, while mulching has various benefits, improper use of the substance may smother and drown plants since oxygen and water can’t get through the roots.

Note that mulch can be used for many different types of landscaping projects, and the type of mulch that you use is going to impact how those projects turn out. Continue reading this article and learn how to choose the right mulch type for your yard.

Density

Many homeowners don’t realize that improperly mulching could actually kill off most of their plants. In addition to keeping your mulch layer relatively thin, you must also make sure that the material isn’t too dense. Triple ground mulch is the densest option, and you should only use that material around established trees and hardy plants. You can also mix a little double or triple ground mulch into your soil to act as a form of compost.

Color

The color of your mulch is going to come down to preference, and you will need to take weathering into consideration. Cypress mulch is relatively tan when it is first chopped up, but it will become bleached within just a few months. If you prefer brighter mulch, then cypress is an excellent option. Those who want a material that is going to keeps its color should probably stick to pine or cedar. Mulch that has been ground multiple times tends to maintain its color as well. However, some residential mulch services offer mulch with natural dyes for a more decorative addition to your garden.

Wood Type

Mulch is made from hundreds of different plants and trees, and every option has its own advantages and disadvantages. For repelling insects, you will most likely want to go with cedar or Cypress. Both of those species have oils that are natural insect repellents, and that is why they are often used to build outdoor furniture and fences. As an added bonus, those species tend to give off great aromas, and your yard is going to smell excellent for months.

But while cedar is a durable material, it will break up gradually and only supply a small portion of nutrients to your yard. On the other hand, while cypress is likewise an excellent mulch, the material can be pricey compared to the others.

Meanwhile, another option you can consider is bark mulch. This type of mulch is readily available in the market, and you can purchase it at an affordable price. However, keep in mind that this material isn’t ideal for all kinds of plants, especially the softwood types.

Total Area

The amount of mulch that you need is another major factor in this equation. If you want to calculate the amount of mulch you need to buy for your space, first determine your yard’s width and length. Once you have your dimensions, multiply the width, length, and your preferred depth of mulch. Or, if you want to get the exact figure, you can use a mulch calculator.

Luckily, most residential yards don’t require very much mulch, and that means you can go with a high-quality product. If you are going to mulch an open field or another large area, then you might need to consider less expensive options such as straw, pine needles, or bark.

While every growing zone is slightly different, most people are going to benefit from mulching in late spring if the material is going over younger plants. Carrying out this project just before the warm summer months will allow the seedlings to poke through the mulch once they have established their roots.

Author Bio

Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook right here and Twitter right here.