What is Mulch?
Mulch is one of the most adaptable and cost-effective products for property improvement. It's a multi-purpose material that helps store moisture in the soil, keep it colder, prevent weed growth, and improve soil quality while also increasing the aesthetics of a space.
Mulch is commonly divided into two types: organic and inorganic. Chopped leaves, straw, grass clippings, compost, wood chips, shredded bark, sawdust, pine needles, and even paper are examples of organic mulches. Black plastic and geotextiles are examples of inorganic mulches (landscape fabrics).
There are more possibilities than ever before. Which mulch substance and color is ideal for your gardening or landscaping job, with so many options? We'll look at all of your options in this Complete Guide to Mulch to help you make the best decision for your scenario.
What is Mulch Used For?
Mulch and compost are not interchangeable terms. The simple explanation is that mulch is applied to the top layer of the soil to control weeds, preserve moisture, and regulate temperature, and compost is used beneath the top layer of the soil to provide critical nutrients to the soil. Mulch improves the condition of the soil and protects your plants, whether you use natural materials like bark and pine straw or simply landscape cloth or plastic. Mulch is beneficial to both aesthetic and edible plants in the garden. It also keeps bare soil free of weeds, making it more appealing.
Will Mulch Work Everywhere?
Will mulch work in every situation? No. Spreading organic mulch over wet, low regions may cause plants to retain too much moisture. They may occasionally foster an overabundance of slugs and other pests to eat or injure specific plants.
Other Uses For Mulch
Mulch can be used in several situations, such as:
Conservation of water
Mulch will help the soil beneath it retain moisture, lowering the amount of watering required in mulched regions. This is especially true in dry locations or where water conservation is a priority. Mulch also keeps soil cooler in these hot climates, which are closely connected.
Weed Control
Mulch blocks sunlight from entering the soil, inhibiting weed development. These are desirable traits in regions that are difficult to weed (such as under bushes) as well as in flower and food gardens.
Improving Soil Quality
Using natural materials for mulch will gradually enrich the soil over time, boosting the soil's ability to support future vegetation growth. This is a significant advantage of using natural, biodegradable mulch.
Enhancing Appearance
Mulch offers a polished look to a garden and can even add some dramatic, contrasting hues, which many homeowners prefer. Mulch in a variety of colors laid neatly may add layers to landscaping and curb appeal that would otherwise be impossible and costly to recreate.
Benefits of Mulch
Make sure you get the ideal mulch for the job if you want a more productive garden. Although most mulches will keep pests and weeds at bay, others are tailored to the needs of specific plants, trees, or crops.
Common Types of Mulch For Your Garden
Mulching comes with a lengthy number of advantages. It can preserve moisture in the soil while also keeping weeds at bay. It can help cool the soil in the summer and warm the plants in the winter. It enables the recycling of more natural materials and frequently contributes nutrients to the soil. It can assist in preventing erosion and giving your yard a complete look. It's also quite easy to set up— and inexpensive. It can more than pay for itself in terms of increased house value and aesthetic appeal. It is not, however, without its drawbacks.
Organic Mulch
Organic residue mulches are the most common type of mulch available. They're manufactured from biological materials that would otherwise be thrown away. Mulches formed from bark chips, grasses, leaves, straw, and other organic materials are examples of this type of mulch. They're frequently bought in bulk or large plastic bags. The types of organic mulch are next.
Wood Chips or Shredded Leaves
Wood chips are a popular and cost-friendly option for mulching your garden beds in the winter. They're also a good choice for edging around tree trunks. Simply rake the leaves away from the tree's base.
Grass Clippings
With a few exceptions, grass clippings are an acceptable mulch option. Even so, at a time, do not apply more than 1 or 2 inches of grass clippings. Make use of dry cuttings. Remember that wet grass clippings might clump together, preventing oxygen and moisture from reaching the soil.
Compost
Compost works best in vegetable and flower gardens where it can be used as a fertilizer. It can, however, be "aromatic" at times, making it appealing to flies and other pests. Compost acts as a natural insulator against the cold and can be used to preserve the roots of new plants over the winter. It should be raked back in the spring to allow for more sunlight and plant development.
Straw or Hay
Straw or hay is easy to transport, and it also decomposes fast. Straw or hay are used as a cover for newly sown lawns or in vegetable gardens. Remember that high winds are not straw's friend; if it's dry, it'll blow everywhere.
Pine Needles
Pine needles can be purchased in bales or gathered up from beneath your trees. This lightweight mulch alternative compacts into a lovely mat of mulch, which aids in the material's retention. It's ideal for vast areas and plants that thrive in more acidic soil.
Pine Bark
For flower gardens, this is a cost-effective mulch option. Large chunks of black wood don't compress or decompose as quickly as finer mulches. Pine bark absorbs moisture and makes it easy for water to reach the soil. Pine mulches are ideal for acid-loving plants. The disadvantage is that the nuggets are very light and can easily be cleaned or blown away.
Our mulch is perfect for large and small landscaping projects
Inorganic Mulch
Inorganic mulches are basically made up of synthetic materials, such as plastics, landscape fabrics (geotextiles), stones, and boulders. They are widely used since the materials do not degrade or only break down after a long period. As a result, replacement costs are reduced.
Plastic Sheeting
Plastic mulch varies from other types of mulch that come in rolls rather than as a bulk substance. Larger agricultural farms are the most common users of plastic sheeting. This form of mulch is rolled over planted row crops to reduce weeds while allowing desirable plants to grow via small slits. Plastic mulch has various advantages in agriculture, including minimizing fertilizer runoff and soil compaction.
Landscape Fabrics
Landscaping fabric is usually adequate as a weed barrier for a year or less before its effectiveness begins to wane.
Rubber Mulch
Rubber mulch is a non-traditional mulch that is gaining popularity. Rubber mulch is frequently made from discarded tires after the steel belts have been removed, and it has a pellet or small stone-like look. It doesn't have soil-enriching properties because it isn't organic. Still, it does have certain other advantages that make it a popular choice, like lasting forever, essentially, heavier than organic materials, and more color and shape options.
Weed Control Fabric
Weed control fabric is a non-woven, porous geotextile fabric used to restrict and control weed growth without the use of strong chemicals or weed killers.
Inorganic Mulch
Inorganic mulches are basically made up of synthetic materials, such as plastics, landscape fabrics (geotextiles), stones, and boulders. They are widely used since the materials do not degrade or only break down after a long period. As a result, replacement costs are reduced.
Pebbles
By adding mulch or pebbles to your yard, you may substantially reduce weed growth. Mulch and stones work to keep weeds at bay by obstructing the plant's access to light.
Pozzolana Or Volcanic Rock
Pozzolana is a volcanic rock-derived mineral mulch. It has a lengthy lifespan and is quite decorative. Its red-brown tint is very interesting because it fluctuates from light to dark depending on the amount of rain and sun it receives.
Slate
Slate is an excellent mulch because it retains moisture and cools the soil, allowing plants to survive in hot weather. Slate is a hardy material that is rarely harmed by bad weather.
Polished Stones
In small flower beds, polished stones can be used instead of organic mulch. You can spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of stones around the plants while being careful not to force them against the stems.
Mulch Colors
Browns and reddish browns are among the natural colors of organic mulch; however, the colors decrease as the mulch ages. Mulch with color adds more design options and extends the life of the color. One can typically find mulch in three colors: brown, black, and red, allowing you to create unique landscape combinations. Consider the color of your plants' foliage and blossoms, as well as the color of your home. Here are some suggestions for using mulch colors:
Brown Mulch
Brown mulch is known as the perfect complement for a wide range of plant colors, and it makes an excellent backdrop for greenery. It mixes well with the surroundings and has a natural appearance. It can even resemble soil depending on the shade of brown used.
Black Mulch
Some types of soil can be made to look natural by using black mulch. It creates a striking contrast with white blooms and can be used to complement a contemporary or modern home. Black mulch tends to absorb more heat than other colors, which may be a benefit or drawback depending on your climate and plants.
Red Mulch
Red mulch also adds a striking and surprising element to your garden. It goes well with your lawn's green or the leaves of your bedding plants, shrubs, and trees. It's also effective on lighter-colored plants.
Other Uses for Mulch
Mulch is used for more than just adorning and protecting your plants and trees. You can also use mulch to construct paths. You can create a pebble path or fill in around stepping stones with wood mulch to give a dramatic, practical touch to your landscaping. Mulch can be used to create borders around sidewalks, driveways, patios, and pools, separating them from the rest of your landscape.
Mulching Tips
The following are some mulching tips that may help you with making the process easier:
- Mulch comes in bags, and depending on the sort of mulch and where it's used, it may also come in bulk. The amount of mulch you can cover with a given amount is determined by the type of mulch and the desired depth.
- Edging helps to keep mulch contained in many situations.
- Heavy rain, especially on slopes, might wash away some mulch. Consider using shredded wood or pine needles, which will assist the mulch to stay in place by knitting together.
- Mulch should be pulled back an inch or two from plants, shrubs, and trees. Mulch that comes into contact with stems and trunks can cause decay and provide a breeding ground for pests.
Buying Mulch: A Guide
Consider how you'll keep the mulch in place and how you'll replace it if it degrades over time. Too little mulch isn't good for your plants, but too much might be harmful. The depth you'll need depends on the sort of mulch you're using and how you're going to use it. In general, a couple of inches of fine mulch will suffice, but 3 to 4 inches of coarser mulch may be required. Next are some basics on how to buy mulch.
How To Choose the Right Mulch?
Even though choosing the right mulch doesn't seem like a serious matter, it's critical to select the right type of mulch, whether you're mulching a slope, a pathway, or just putting a few plants here and there. As mentioned before, mulch is divided into three groups:
- Weed control fabric
- Organic mulch
- Mineral mulch
Weed control cloth keeps weeds at bay while allowing water to get through. Organic mulch is created from plant detritus and is less efficient against weeds, but it keeps moisture in the soil and offers nutrients. Mineral mulch is formed from gravel, decreasing moisture evaporation and offering a beautiful touch.
How Much Mulch Do You Need?
A 2-inch layer of organic mulch is best for retaining moisture and suppressing weeds. But don't overdo it: this is one instance where more isn't always better. Plant roots require oxygen to survive, and a layer of mulch that is too thick will suffocate roots and cause water to run off the top of the mulch rather than filtering through and soaking into the soil below.
Calculating Cubic Yards
Your first step will include estimating just how much mulch you need to purchase to complete the task. You don’t want to find yourself skimping midway through the process as you watch your mulch supply deplete.
To continue, multiply the length and width of your room to get the total square footage of your beds. The typical step is 2.5 feet long, so measure the length and width of your yard in steps. Then apply the following formula:
- Total Length = Number of Steps x 2.5
- Total Width = Number of Steps x 2.5
- Square Footage = Total Width x Total Length
It's important to remember that mulch is sold by the cubic yard. One cubic yard of the material will cover a 324-square-foot area to a depth of one inch. As a result, multiply your square footage by the desired depth in inches and divide by 324. The general formula is cubic yards required = square footage x desired depth / 324.
Circular Bed Square Footage
You can calculate the size of the bed in square feet. For square or rectangular beds, multiply the width by length; but for round beds, multiply the radius (distance from the middle to the edge of the bed) by itself, then multiply the total by 3.14.
You'll need to figure out how many bags or scoops of mulch you'll need for your space after you know the entire square footage.
Here’s how to do it:
- 2 cubic foot bags: Square Footage/12 = Total bags required for a 2" thick covering of mulch.
- 3 cubic feet of storage: Total bags needed for a 2" inch thick layer of mulch = Square Footage/18.
- For a 2" thick layer of mulch, divide the square footage by 128 to get the total number of scoops required.
Our organic dyed and natural mulch products will restore the look of your garden and transform your landscape.
Tools You Need to Mulch
You need to prepare to break a sweat when mulching a garden. The garden chore is labor-intensive, but it is worthwhile since it provides a covering for bare soil, suppresses weeds, and, depending on the mulch material. While no strategy makes mulching any easier (short of hiring muscle), you may make it go faster by utilizing the right tools.
You'll need the following tools to mulch:
- Shovel or pitchfork:
You'll need a quality shovel or pitchfork to load your mulch into a wheelbarrow, in case you've had scoops of mulch delivered straight to your home. - Wheelbarrow:
For moving mulch about your yard in a convenient manner. - Rake:
The best rake for spreading mulch is a bow rake with shorter tines that are robust, rigid, and designed to break up and spread debris. However, you can also get a hold of a simple leaf rake to complete the task. After that, you can turn it over and use the reverse side for a smooth, lump-free mulch job. - Gloves:
When spreading mulch all around plants and in hard-to-reach areas, wear gloves to protect your hands.
Applying Mulch: What You Need To Know
Clearing weeds from the area you'll be mulching is one of the first things you'll need to do. You can use a garden hose, a hand weeder, or just use your hands. If you're mulching around a tree, you can either eliminate the grass or lay down a layer of black and white newspaper that the mulch will cover.
Tools You Need to Mulch
You should mulch around spring bulbs, as the foliage that dies will feed the bulbs while also locking in moisture at a time when they are most needed. Mulching also eliminates the need for digging, which can cause bulb damage.
Hedges. Aside from regular cutting, hedges are frequently overlooked. Their roots are compacted, and a yearly mulch helps to keep moisture in and feed the plants. Before mulching the hedges, make sure the soil is damp or water it well.
Herbaceous perennials are aesthetically set off by dark organic mulch around them. Mulching around the new plants will offer them a boost as the growing season progresses if you've just divided and watered them.
Around fruit trees and bushes. Fruit trees and bushes—especially when the fruit is growing—require a lot of moisture around their roots. Weeds will be suppressed by regular mulching, and the plants will be healthier and more resistant to pests and diseases.
Deciding When to Mulch
Spreading mulch is best done two times of the year. Spring mulching is advantageous because seasonal rains aid in the breakdown of organic components in mulch, allowing it to infiltrate the soil. It will also give your landscaping a fresh, clean look throughout the spring and summer. Mulch provides an extra layer of insulation for your plants throughout the colder months, so it's a good idea to spread it down in the fall.
Regardless of the season, you'll want to mulch when the ground has thawed and is still damp. You could also want to pick a day that follows a particularly rainy week. The mulch you choose will help to keep the moisture in the soil.
Laying Down Mulch
To lay down mulch, follow these steps:
- Remove dried leaves, trash, sticks, and old mulch from previous years from your beds.
- If there hasn't been recent rain in your area, you should moisten down any dry beds. The mulch acts as a moisture barrier.
- Remove weeds. Mulching has the added benefit of suppressing weed development, so removing weeds gives you an early start.
- Shovel mulch from your wheelbarrow or shake mulch from your bag into small mounds and spread it out. Then, especially when you approach close to the base of your plants, distribute the mulch with your hands.
- Water after mulching. Although this is an optional step, the last soaking can help the mulch settle in place.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
The primary motivation for homeowners to attempt DIY mulching is to save money—after all, why pay for something they can do themselves? However, there are reasons why hiring a professional may be worth the small expense, including time, site logistics, mulch quality, and safety. DIY or hiring a professional should be a decision that you rely on completely.
Do’s and Dont’s of Mulch
Mulching Do’s include:
- Mulching should be considered as a component of your overall landscaping strategy.
- Take into account the whole range of mulch materials and colors.
- Always use a border or edging to keep mulch contained.
- Make sure you're using the appropriate amount. Your garden can suffer from too much or too little mulch.
- Purchase top-notch mulch.
- When "topping up" with new mulch, at least some of the old mulch should be removed.
On the contrary, there are certain things you should avoid when mulching. Here's a rundown of mulching "don'ts."
- Don't go overboard with the application. The maximum depth for coarse mulch is three to four inches. You should use only one or two inches of fine mulch.
- Do not purchase low-cost mulch or mulch made from repurposed building materials or pallets.
- Don't build a volcano-like pile of mulch around the base of trees, as it has the potential to induce sickness and decay.
- Underneath the mulch, avoid using plastic. It can generate runoff and make it difficult for water to reach plant roots.
- Mulch should not be applied too early in the year. You should allow enough time for the soil to warm up before applying.
Are you ready to mulch? We hope that this guide helps you understand the basics of buying mulching. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact our team at Splitz Firewood & Mulch, where we are always happy to answer all your doubts!
