Mulch for Landscaping, Gardening and Erosion Projects

Mulch from natural, organic materials, makes use of recycled yard waste and helps you be truly sustainable with your gardening practices. 

If you buy your mulch from an external provider, you can use it as a decorative addition to your garden or yard because it can come in different colors and adds texture to your property. 

The most common uses of mulch are:

• To help prevent the soil from compacting
• To encourage the presence of natural aerators like earthworms
• To add nutrients to the availability of potassium, contributing to the build-up of nitrogen, phosphorus, and trace elements to the soil

There are two types of mulch: Synthetic and organic. Each has applications and benefits.compost

Inorganic stones are okay for lining and accentuating soil beds, while organic compost is specifically meant for soil that is severely lacking in nutrients.

Organic mulches are ideal for situations in which you’re trying to improve soil structure and provide a more natural and stimulating environment for root growth. 

Good root growth guarantees healthy leaf and top growth, so any of these natural mulches are useful if you’re planting trees in nutrient-poor soil: 

• Wood chips (a mix of fine and coarse material composted for at least three months)
• Pine needles
• Straw
• Peat moss
• Corncobs
• Hulls from buckwheat or cocoa beans
• Lawn clippings

Once you lay the organic mulch, make sure you don’t disturb its natural decomposition with annual flower plantings. And if you’re going to use woody or bark-based mulches, use them around trees or flower beds because you won’t be doing frequent digging in these areas. 

Lighter mulch like straw is great to work into the soil and can be spread around, so it’s fine for vegetable gardens since you’ll be harvesting and uprooting plants. 

Pro-tip: While geotextiles are an excellent solution for soil erosion control, don’t place these fabrics under the mulch. The naturally-decomposing mulch won’t mix with the soil, and they also won’t prevent weeds as they will poke right through the fabric.

Synthetic or inorganic mulch is more decorative than restorative. Small river rocks, ground tires (rubber), volcanic rock, and even synthetic fabrics are common synthetic options.

Rubber is particularly useful for areas where children will be playing or areas that receive a lot of foot traffic.