Mulch 101

By Emma Peterson. 

Dig into what mulch is and how it helps garden beds thrive.  

When landscaping an outdoor space, mulch is often the key to pulling a vision together. It can come in a variety of colors and forms that can make a space look polished and professional. But mulch is far from a one-trick pony, not only does it have aesthetic appeal, it is also a gamechanger for your plants’ health. The experts at Greendell Landscape Supply put it simply, “Mulch is your garden’s guard, keeping weeds out, moisture in and your plants thriving.” 

Keep reading as we dive into these benefits and more, along with covering some of the common types of mulch so you can find the best fit for your next project! 

Benefits of mulch 

• Keeping weeds down: Mulch is designed to be spread over the top of a garden bed, around the plants that you have chosen for the space. By creating a barrier between the soil beneath it and the sunlight, it can help keep weeds down! In general, you will want two to three inches of mulch for optimal weed control.  
• Managing moisture: Another bonus of having a barrier on top of your soil is moisture management. Mulch can help your soil retain moisture (also reducing the need for frequent watering) by keeping water from evaporating too quickly. This not only helps your plants, but it also helps your water bill!  
• Regulating temperature: Temperature fluctuations can be the bane of any gardener. But mulch can help with that! Mulch acts as an insulating layer above the earth that helps keep your plants safe from extreme weather changes, such as frost and overheating.  
• Improving the soil: Many mulches are made of natural materials, such as wood chips, that will eventually break down. While the thought of having to re-mulch might sound frustrating, it actually is a good sign! When organic mulches decompose, they release nutrients into the soil that improves its structure and fertility, making it a better home for your plants.  
• Reducing erosion: A little rain, especially in the summer, is a gardeners’ best friend. But too much rain can flood your plants and wash away your soil. That’s where mulch can come in to save the day! By covering bare soil with mulch, you create a protective shield that minimizes the impact of heavy rain and reduces the risk of erosion. This is especially important for slopes gardens, where it is recommended to use a combination of mulch and landscape fabric/netting for security.  
• Boosting curb appeal: Like we said earlier, mulch is both functional and fashionable! It is a great way to give your garden beds a polished, fresh and professional appearance, which can bring together the entire exterior design of a home. 
• Preventing compaction: Light and airy soil is key to having thriving plants. If your soil gets too compacted, it can stifle growth. Mulch creates a cushion that helps prevent compaction through things like foot traffic by absorbing the weight before the soil gets compacted. 

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Types of mulch 

Ultimately, every mulch has its own strengths and benefits for an outdoor space. Whatever project you are working on, there is a mulch that will help it look its best. Here are some of the common types of mulch available. 

1 – Shredded wood 

If you are looking for a versatile mulch option that works well for flower beds, around trees and for pathways, shredded hardwood mulch is a great option. It is also very eco-friendly as it will release enriching nutrients into the soil as it decomposes. Further, shredded wood makes a fairly densely composed mulch, which is great for suppressing weeds, retaining moisture and regulating soil temperature.  

2 – Sof-step playground 

As the name implies, sof-step playground mulch is the perfect option for children’s play areas. This is because it is specifically engineered to be safe and comfortable. How does it achieve this? It is made from finely shredded wood, which provides a cushioned surface that minimizes injuries in recreational areas. As a mulch, it also provides excellent drainage and resists compaction, making it very durable.  

3 – Dyed mulch 

When it comes to creating a dream yard or garden, there is often an aesthetic goal that the homeowner has in mind. Dyed mulch, which comes in bold colors like black, brown and red, is a great option for making these goals a reality. If you want a fresh, vibrant front yard, walkway or garden border, this is the perfect type of mulch.  

4 – Other options 

In addition to those three main categories of mulch, there are a few subcategories that are specifically designed for gardeners. One is straw. While maybe less aesthetically pleasing than some types of mulch, straw forms a very dense yet breathable cover. This both keeps weeds down while still allowing water and nutrients to get to your plants.  

Another unconventional subcategory is compost mulch. This unites two different types of garden treatments, mulch and compost, into a thick layer that smothers weeds while enriching the soil with nutrients. Similar to shredded wood, compost mulch improves soil structure and nutrients as it breaks down. 

Learn more about finding your perfect mulch-match at Greendell Landscape Supply!