{"id":115152,"date":"2024-08-06T16:23:11","date_gmt":"2024-08-06T19:23:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?p=115152"},"modified":"2025-05-07T00:21:29","modified_gmt":"2025-05-07T03:21:29","slug":"what-is-mulch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/what-is-mulch\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Mulch?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Mulch is spread on the soil surface to help prevent weeds and retain moisture. Another reason homeowners choose to mulch is to add color and beauty to their \u201csea of green\u201d lawns.<\/p>    <p>This protective layer of material can make a huge difference in how plants grow. We\u2019ll discuss in more detail the uses of mulch and its different types. We\u2019ll also give you expert tips on how you can use mulch more effectively in your yard.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-24520606-8c56-4f09-b38c-2eac1988fd0f\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\"><\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/what-is-mulch\/#0-what-is-mulch-used-for\" style=\"\">What is Mulch Used For?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/what-is-mulch\/#1-what-is-mulch-made-of\" style=\"\">What is Mulch Made Of?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/what-is-mulch\/#5-where-can-you-use-mulch-in-your-yard\" style=\"\">Where Can You Use Mulch in Your Yard?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/what-is-mulch\/#6-when-do-you-apply-mulch\" style=\"\">When Do You Apply Mulch?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/what-is-mulch\/#7-faq-about-mulch\" style=\"\">FAQ About Mulch<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-what-is-mulch-used-for\">What is Mulch Used For?<\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/gardening-3997259_1280-e1624399395991.jpg\" alt=\"wheelbarrow and rake sitting beside pile of mulch\" class=\"wp-image-35800\" style=\"object-fit:cover\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/photos\/gardening-wheelbarrows-broom-mulch-3997259\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">manfredrichter<\/a> \/ Pixabay<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Apart from stopping <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/reasons-why-weeds-grow-in-lawn\/\">weed growth<\/a> and keeping the soil moist, mulch also regulates soil temperature and helps improve soil health. Here are the top uses for mulch:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Prevents Weed Growth<\/strong>: Since many weed seeds need sunlight to germinate and grow, adding mulch can block this process and help suppress weed growth.<\/li>    <li><strong>Retains Soil Moisture:<\/strong> You can add mulch if your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-test-soil-moisture\/\">soil moisture<\/a> is not ideal. Mulch can act as a barrier that lessens water loss in soil through evaporation.<\/li>    <li><strong>Regulates Soil Temperature:<\/strong> In summer, mulch prevents heat from rapidly penetrating the soil. During winter, mulch prevents the soil from freezing quickly.<\/li>    <li><strong>Controls Erosion:<\/strong> Mulch acts as a protective layer that absorbs the impact of raindrops and reduces soil runoff. Its soil temperature regulation and moisture retention both improve soil stability and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping-tips\/how-to-control-erosion\/\">control erosion<\/a>.<\/li>    <li><strong>Improves Soil Health:<\/strong> When <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/types-of-organic-mulch\/\">organic mulch<\/a> breaks down, it contributes to the soil structure and its water-holding capacity. It also creates a favorable environment for beneficial soil microorganisms to thrive.<\/li>    <li><strong>Adds Aesthetic Appeal:<\/strong> Although this doesn\u2019t apply to mulches like newspaper or cardboard, most types of mulch can add beauty to your landscape and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/lawn-landscape-projects-increase-home-value\/\">increase home value<\/a>.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p><strong><em>Pro Tip:<\/em><\/strong><em> &nbsp;Rubber, wood, and other mulches come in different colors. So, if you\u2019re not good at coordinating colors, you might want to <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/landscaping\"><em>hire a landscaping pro<\/em><\/a><em> to take care of your mulching needs. Plus, they can help you determine which mulch would most benefit your lawn and garden.<\/em><\/p>    <p><strong>See Related:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-improve-lawn-mulch\/\">How to Improve Your Lawn With Mulch<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/cost\/mulch-price\/\">How Much Does Mulch Cost?<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-what-is-mulch-made-of\">What is Mulch Made Of?<\/h2>    <p>Mulch can be made from either organic or inorganic materials, which is how experts classify them. The primary difference between the two can be found in their composition and decomposition.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-organic-vs-inorganic-mulch\">Organic vs. Inorganic Mulch<\/h3>    <p><strong>Organic mulches are derived mostly from plants and animals<\/strong>, so they <em>are<\/em><strong> <\/strong>biodegradable. And when they break down, they help enrich the soil.<\/p>    <p><strong>Inorganic mulches are usually made of rocks and plastics<\/strong>, which<strong> <\/strong><em>don\u2019t<\/em> decompose. However, home improvement stores and garden centers now carry mulch films made from 100% biodegradable materials.<\/p>    <p>This table gives you a more detailed comparison of the two types of mulch:<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Attribute<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Organic Mulch<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Inorganic Mulch<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Source<\/td><td>Living or dead plant\/animal matter<\/td><td>Non-living materials<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Examples<\/td><td>Leaves, bark, compost, wood chips, and straw<\/td><td>Rocks, gravel, rubber, and landscape fabric<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Decomposition<\/td><td>Decomposes and releases nutrients to the soil over time<\/td><td>Most inorganic mulches don\u2019t decompose<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Weed Suppression<\/td><td>Controls weeds until it decomposes<\/td><td>Offers longer-lasting weed control<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Environmental Impact<\/td><td>Biodegradable and beneficial to soil health<\/td><td>Non-biodegradable plastics can be harmful<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Maintenance<\/td><td>Needs <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-often-should-you-replace-mulch\/\">replacing regularly<\/a><\/td><td>Requires little to no replacement<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Soil Improvement<\/td><td>Can improve soil structure and water retention<\/td><td>Does not improve soil properties<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Aesthetics<\/td><td>Natural, earthy appearance that blends well with gardens<\/td><td>Offers a cleaner, more structured look with various color options<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p>While it can naturally break down and release nutrients, organic mulch isn\u2019t necessarily the best solution for all situations. For instance, Michael Andruczyk, senior horticulture agent at Virginia Cooperative Extension, says that when organic mulches are \u201capplied to fruit trees, this may encourage vegetative growth during the summer rather than fruiting.\u201d<\/p>    <p>Once you know what mulch is made of, it can help you determine which type you need for your yard. Here are the different types of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/organic-mulch-vs-inorganic-mulch\/\">organic and inorganic mulches<\/a>.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-types-of-organic-mulch\">Types of Organic Mulch<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"555\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Types-of-Organic-Mulch-2.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"collage of different types of organic mulches\" class=\"wp-image-133390\" style=\"object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Types-of-Organic-Mulch-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Types-of-Organic-Mulch-2-300x208.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Types-of-Organic-Mulch-2-656x455.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Types-of-Organic-Mulch-2-150x104.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Types-of-Organic-Mulch-2-768x533.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credits:<br>Wood Mulch: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/jo\/images\/brown-mulch\/217076536\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nathanael Asaro<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock Free \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/license-terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><br>Tree Bark: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/in\/images\/closeup-man-s-hands-spreading-brown-bark-mulch-around-hosta-plant-in-garden-hostas-landscaping-decorative-shade-plant-planting-close-up-yard-lawn-moisture\/377545282\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jon<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<br>Pine Needles: <a href=\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/de\/photos\/zapfen-kiefer-zweige-tannennadeln-5284751\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pixabay<\/a><br>Straw: <a href=\"https:\/\/pxhere.com\/en\/photo\/1602443#google_vignette\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pxhere<\/a><br>Wood Chips: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Wood_Chip_Mulch_Texture_DTXR-WD-CP-1.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shadowmeld Photography<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a> <br>Leaves: <a href=\"https:\/\/pxhere.com\/en\/photo\/777909#google_vignette\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pxhere<\/a><br>Newspaper: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/oakleyoriginals\/34730071352\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">OakleyOriginals<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><br>Grass Clippings: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.publicdomainpictures.net\/en\/view-image.php?image=24085&amp;picture=grass-cuttings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Darren Lewis<\/a> \/ PublicDomainPictures \/ CC0<br>Compost: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/oregonstateuniversity\/36631551214\/in\/photolist-XP1gXd-4rqDKd-2EF91j-2AhwTs-fL9pWZ-6ViKji-7mW8ZN-6ebhd8-6ebgY4-3s3zfx-ajsoTv-24TGRBp-WxAeAA-2fvgoaH-6i81zo-6sWTxW-5SiVk7-4mRdNK-an6QBM-7yFffc-veRmX9-DqAq5-iLiCux-oQupv8-6sENpU-okuSf-4T3AJj-2hb6oKD-cez8ao-sFParf-4NfhLW-ezVD2d-cez7Am-6VRo65-8ENUyr-57VsBG-8ktNg3-9CqEAw-2mJQYpK-81GQik-81KZzd-81KXzf-81GRze-81KYeo-6zjdb9-5fXCYx-DjtrR-9TMZdU-4vKSq1-2EKQr1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Oregon State University<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><br><\/figcaption><\/figure>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-ec9ce0c8-e092-4811-8281-2365142fa636\" data-mobilecollapse=\"true\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"false\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-ec9ce0c8-e092-4811-8281-2365142fa636\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-ec9ce0c8-e092-4811-8281-2365142fa636\" style=\"color: #000000; \">12 Most Common Types of Organic Mulch<\/p> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-ec9ce0c8-e092-4811-8281-2365142fa636\">  <p>To give you a better idea of which mulches fall in the organic category, here are the most common types of organic mulch:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Wood Chips:<\/strong> Available in various colors, such as brown, black, and red, wood chips are ideal for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/guide-weed-control-yard\/\">controlling weeds<\/a> in gardens and pathways. Shredded wood is affordable and lasts up to 2 years.<\/li>    <li><strong>Wood Nuggets:<\/strong> Larger than wood chips, these nuggets are less likely to get blown away by the wind and can last up to 4 years. With their low pH of around 3.3 to 5.0, they\u2019re perfect for flower beds of acid-loving plants like hydrangeas, gardenias, and azaleas.<\/li>    <li><strong>Wood Bark:<\/strong> Another type of wood mulch, shredded bark has more of a fibrous texture since it\u2019s made solely from tree bark. While it can last up to 7 years, it\u2019s better to replace it once it fades or every 2 years. Wood bark would look good in pathways and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-mulch-around-trees\/\">around trees<\/a> and shrubs.<\/li>    <li><strong>Straw:<\/strong> This can be a good choice if you don\u2019t mind adding mulch often, as it only lasts 3 to 6 months and decomposes after a year. Made from wheat, barley, or rye stalks, straw mulch helps retain moisture and prevent soil compaction. Usually yellowish-tan in color, it\u2019s lightweight and perfect for protecting germinating grass seeds.<\/li>    <li><strong>Pine Needles:<\/strong> Sometimes called <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/mulch-vs-pine-straw\/\">pine straw<\/a>, this type of organic mulch can also help prevent weeds and moisture loss. Usually reddish-brown, pine needles can make your flower beds and landscaping beds more beautiful. Lasting up to 2 years, pine needles can interlock and form a stable layer, resisting wind and rain even on slopes.<\/li>    <li><strong>Compost:<\/strong> A decomposed organic waste rich in nutrients like carbon and nitrogen, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/what-is-compost\/\">compost<\/a> can help enhance soil health and suppress weeds at the same time.<\/li>    <li><strong>Grass Clippings:<\/strong> You can get this nitrogen-rich <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/where-to-get-free-mulch\/\">mulch for free<\/a> when you mow your lawn using a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-equipment\/how-does-a-mulching-mower-work\/\">mulching mower<\/a>. They break down quickly, though, so they only last up to 3 months. But according to Andruczyk, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/reasons-to-use-grass-clippings-as-mulch\/\">grass clippings<\/a> are a great way to recycle nutrients and prevent organic matter from going to the dump.<\/li>    <li><strong>Shredded Leaves:<\/strong> If you have trees in your yard, you can easily obtain this mulch. They last 6 to 12 months and are best used around trees, shrubs, and flower beds. Shredded leaves can help improve soil health and retain moisture.<\/li>    <li><strong>Cardboard:<\/strong> For stopping weeds, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/sheet-mulching-lasagna-garden\/\">sheet mulching<\/a> with cardboard is the most effective. Until it decomposes after 4 to 6 months, the cardboard will create a solid barrier that weeds won&#8217;t be able to penetrate.<\/li>    <li><strong>Newspaper:<\/strong> Don\u2019t throw your old newspapers into the recycling bin, as they\u2019re also an excellent weed barrier (4 to 5 sheets thick). And they\u2019ll add carbon to the soil once they decompose after 3 to 6 months. Since colored inks usually contain metals, use only the black and white pages.<\/li>    <li><strong>Coco Coir:<\/strong> Made from coconut husks, coco coir is a sustainable and better option than peat moss. It\u2019s excellent at retaining water and improving soil aeration, making it ideal for flower beds, vegetable gardens, and potted plants. This fibrous mulch breaks down slowly and lasts up to 2 years.<\/li>    <li><strong>Cocoa Bean:<\/strong> Cocoa bean mulch is made from cocoa shells, providing nutrients like nitrogen and phosphate. However, it\u2019s best not to use it in areas where pets can accidentally ingest it.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p><strong><em>Pro Tip:<\/em><\/strong><em> When using newspaper or cardboard mulch, lay them carefully and overlap to avoid gaps. Otherwise, weeds can still grow through the gaps. Also, add 2 to 3 inches of either wood mulch or other organic mulch to make it pleasing to the eyes.<\/em><\/p>    <p><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/is-it-better-to-rake-or-mulch-leaves\/\">Is It Better to Rake or Mulch Leaves?<\/a><\/p>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>   <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-types-of-inorganic-mulch\">Types of Inorganic Mulch<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"555\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Types-of-Inorganic-Mulch-1.jpg\" alt=\"colllage of different types of inorganic mulch\" class=\"wp-image-131587\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Types-of-Inorganic-Mulch-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Types-of-Inorganic-Mulch-1-300x208.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Types-of-Inorganic-Mulch-1-656x455.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Types-of-Inorganic-Mulch-1-150x104.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Types-of-Inorganic-Mulch-1-768x533.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credits: <br>Landscape Plastic: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/jo\/images\/baby-plant-grows-in-an-agricultural-mulching-sheet-or-plastic-mulch\/370781030\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jack Tamrong<\/a>&nbsp;\/ Adobe Stock \/&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/jo\/license-terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><br>Stone\/Gravel: <a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/qEjxRy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">leighklotz<\/a>&nbsp;\/ Flickr \/&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><br>Rubber: <a href=\"https:\/\/pxhere.com\/en\/photo\/272340\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ian D. Keating<\/a>&nbsp;\/ PxHere<br>Landscape Fabric: <a href=\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/photos\/plant-planting-help-planting-foil-5211026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-cb94cbf1-26d2-4a57-a944-afa6e9e9c112\" data-mobilecollapse=\"true\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"false\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-cb94cbf1-26d2-4a57-a944-afa6e9e9c112\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-cb94cbf1-26d2-4a57-a944-afa6e9e9c112\" style=\"color: #000000; \">5 Most Common Types of Inorganic Mulch<\/p> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-cb94cbf1-26d2-4a57-a944-afa6e9e9c112\">  <p>If you don\u2019t like having to replace your mulch often, your best bet would be the more long-lasting inorganic mulches. The most popular <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/types-of-inorganic-mulch\/\">types of inorganic mulch<\/a> are:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Stone\/Gravel:<\/strong> A long-lasting and low-maintenance mulch, stones are ideal for pathways, trees, and steep areas. They come in various types, like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-landscape-with-pea-gravel\/\">pea gravel<\/a>, marble chips, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-landscape-with-river-rock\/\">river rocks<\/a>.<\/li>    <li><strong>Rubber:<\/strong> Made from recycled tires, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/pros-cons-of-rubber-mulch\/\">rubber mulch<\/a> can last up to 20 years and comes in various colors, including blue, green, and gray. It suppresses weeds and provides cushioning, but has a strong odor that can be repulsive to some homeowners.<\/li>    <li><strong>Shells:<\/strong> Bring the beach to your yard by adding shells to your pathways and landscaping beds. Made from crushed clam, oyster, or mussel shells, this inorganic mulch can last for over 5 years with minimal degradation.<\/li>    <li><strong>Landscape Plastic:<\/strong> A solid sheet made of plastic that blocks sunlight and weeds completely. However, it can also restrict water and air flow to the soil. For a more eco-friendly option, you can use a biodegradable mulch film as an alternative.<\/li>    <li><strong>Landscape Fabric:<\/strong> It\u2019s similar to landscape plastic but allows water and air to pass through. Apart from lasting longer than plastic, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/landscape-fabric-guide-types-uses\/\">landscape fabric<\/a> is also more aesthetically pleasing.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/gardening-2\/pros-and-cons-of-using-landscape-fabric\/\">Pros and Cons of Using Landscape Fabric<\/a><\/p>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-where-can-you-use-mulch-in-your-yard\">Where Can You Use Mulch in Your Yard?<\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Mulch-around-plants.jpeg\" alt=\"Mulch from the bark of trees around plants in a green lawn\" class=\"wp-image-131463\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Mulch-around-plants.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Mulch-around-plants-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Mulch-around-plants-656x437.jpeg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Mulch-around-plants-150x100.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Mulch-around-plants-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/mulch-from-the-bark-of-trees-around-the-thuja-bushes-on-green-lawn-landscaping-of-growth-backyard-garden-close-up-nobody\/442520676\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u0410\u043b\u0435\u043a\u0441\u0430\u043d\u0434\u0440 \u0411\u0435\u0441\u043f\u0430\u043b\u044b\u0439<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock Free \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/license-terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>While most homeowners apply mulch in flower gardens and landscaping beds, other areas in your yard can also benefit from it. Here\u2019s a list of areas in your yard where you can apply mulch and the best types to use:<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Yard Area<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Best Mulch Types to Use<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Flower beds<\/td><td>Wood nuggets, pine needles, shredded leaves, coco coir, compost<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Vegetable gardens<\/td><td>Pine needles, coco coir, straw, compost, grass clippings<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Around trees<\/td><td>Wood bark, shredded leaves, wood chips, pine needles<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Under hedges and bushes<\/td><td>Wood nuggets, pine needles, wood bark<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Pathways\/walkways<\/td><td>Gravel, rubber, wood chips, crusher dust, wood bark<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sloped areas<\/td><td>Pine needles, wood bark, landscaping fabric<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Potted plants<\/td><td>Coco coir, compost<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Play areas<\/td><td>Rubber<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/what-is-a-rain-garden\/\">Rain gardens<\/a><\/td><td>River rocks<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p><strong>See Related:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-mulch-yard\/\">How to Mulch Your Yard: A Step-by-Step Guide<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/mulch-calculator-how-much-mulch-do-you-need\/\">Mulch Calculator: How Much Mulch Do You Need?<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-when-do-you-apply-mulch\">When Do You Apply Mulch?<\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"417\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/4369333390_04e91febbd_c.jpg\" alt=\"Mulch next to a concrete step\" class=\"wp-image-109086\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/4369333390_04e91febbd_c.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/4369333390_04e91febbd_c-300x156.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/4369333390_04e91febbd_c-646x337.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/4369333390_04e91febbd_c-150x78.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/4369333390_04e91febbd_c-768x400.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/csessums\/4369333390\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Christopher Sessums<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Most experts say to apply mulch either mid- to late spring or in late fall. Andruczyk adds that the best time would be \u201cafter you clean up the weeds and before new weed seedlings start.\u201d<\/p>    <p>Below are the details on both spring mulching and fall mulching:<\/p>    <p><strong>Spring Mulching<\/strong><\/p>    <p>Experts recommend that early spring is the perfect time to apply mulch to your lawn and garden. Mulch can help provide the best environment for the plants to grow during this season while preventing weeds from developing at the same time.<\/p>    <p><strong>Fall Mulching<\/strong><\/p>    <p>Mulching in fall is a practice that trees have been doing for thousands of years, dropping leaves and twigs before winter to form a layer of organic matter to protect themselves from the coming winter. Fall mulch protects plants from frost and lessens the damaging effect on soil structures as it undergoes moderate freeze-thaw cycles.<\/p>    <p><strong>See Related:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/what-to-do-with-fallen-leaves\/\">What to Do With Fallen Leaves<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-deep-should-mulch-be\/\">How Deep Should Mulch Be?<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-faq-about-mulch\">FAQ About Mulch<\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1745468535011\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I Mix Different Types of Mulch?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><br\/>Yes, you can mix different types of mulch, but it depends on the mulch you\u2019re combining. For instance, adding wood chips on top of landscape fabric is not advisable. Once the wood chips decompose, the nutrients won\u2019t be able to penetrate the fabric and reach the soil.<br\/><br\/>On the other hand, mixing newspaper mulch with other organic mulches works well. So it\u2019s always best to consult with local lawn care experts when it comes to combining mulches.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1745468544942\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Do I Have to Remove Old Mulch Before Putting Down New Mulch?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><br\/>In some cases, you won\u2019t have to remove old mulch before putting down new mulch. For example, if you used wood bark and it\u2019s already decomposing, you can just add your new mulch over it. But if your existing mulch shows signs of fungal disease or is excessively thick, it\u2019s best to remove it first.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1745468569293\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What Type of Mulch Lasts the Longest?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><br\/>Inorganic mulches like stone and gravel last a long time since they don\u2019t decompose.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-mulch-without-ado-hire-a-landscaping-pro\">Mulch Without Ado: Hire a Landscaping Pro<\/h2>    <p>Now that you know what mulch is, you can use it to suit your lawn\u2019s needs. But if you\u2019re still confused whether to use organic or inorganic mulch, hiring a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/landscaping\">local landscaping pro<\/a> to work on your landscape can help you avoid costly mistakes and give you peace of mind.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-7db2b618-fa30-4703-a4ff-0e32e530ec03\" data-mobilecollapse=\"false\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"true\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-7db2b618-fa30-4703-a4ff-0e32e530ec03\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-7db2b618-fa30-4703-a4ff-0e32e530ec03\" style=\"color: #000000; \"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-7db2b618-fa30-4703-a4ff-0e32e530ec03\">  <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.psu.edu\/frost-heaving-and-herbicides\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Frost Heaving and Herbicides<\/a>.\u201d By Dwight Lingenfelter, extension associate. PennState Extension.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/lee.ces.ncsu.edu\/2023\/02\/knowing-better-the-appropriate-use-of-landscape-fabric\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Knowing Better: The Appropriate Use of Landscape Fabric<\/a>.\u201d By Amanda Bratcher, extension agent. North Carolina State Extension.<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/chesapeake.ext.vt.edu\/staff\/mikeand.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Michael Andruczyk<\/a>, senior horticulture agent at the Virginia Cooperative Extension. Personal interview.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/hgic.clemson.edu\/factsheet\/mulch\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mulch<\/a>.\u201d By Marjan Kluepfel, former horticulture information specialist, and Robert F. Polomski, PhD, associate extension specialist. Clemson University.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.okstate.edu\/programs\/gardening\/grow-gardening-columns\/grow-columns-2022\/may-29-2022-mulch.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mulch Plays Important Role in Gardening<\/a>.\u201d Oklahoma State University Extension.<\/li> <\/ul>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>   <p>Main Image Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/replacing-existing-red-bark-mulch-in-shrubs-with-work-gloves-on-top-of-new-bag\/420286451\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">tab62<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock Free \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/license-terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Made of organic or inorganic materials like wood chips, straw, gravel, or rocks, mulch is spread over landscapes to help retain soil moisture and prevent weeds while adding aesthetic appeal.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":131,"featured_media":131462,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[25],"class_list":["post-115152","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-landscaping","tag-landscaping-2"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Red-Bark-Mulch.jpeg?wsr","author_info":{"display_name":"Melanie Joseph","author_link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/melanie-josephlawnstarter-com\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Is Mulch?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/what-is-mulch\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What Is Mulch?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Made of organic or inorganic materials like wood chips, straw, gravel, or rocks, mulch is spread over landscapes to help retain soil moisture and prevent weeds while adding aesthetic appeal.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/what-is-mulch\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Lawnstarter\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-08-06T19:23:11+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-05-07T03:21:29+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Red-Bark-Mulch.jpeg?wsr\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" 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existing red bark mulch in shrubs with work gloves on top of new bag\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/what-is-mulch\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"What Is Mulch?\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"Lawnstarter\",\"description\":\"The LawnStarter 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Joseph\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/12\\\/LS-Bio-photo-146x150.jpg?wsr\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/12\\\/LS-Bio-photo-146x150.jpg?wsr\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/12\\\/LS-Bio-photo-146x150.jpg?wsr\",\"caption\":\"Melanie Joseph\"},\"description\":\"With hands-on experience in gardening and lawn care, Melanie has been a dedicated writer for LawnStarter for years now. She\u2019s passionate about sharing practical tips to help homeowners cultivate healthier, greener yards \u2014 one blade of grass at a time.\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/melanie-josephlawnstarter-com\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/what-is-mulch\\\/#faq-question-1745468535011\",\"position\":1,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/what-is-mulch\\\/#faq-question-1745468535011\",\"name\":\"Can I Mix Different Types of Mulch?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"<br\\\/>Yes, you can mix different types of mulch, but it depends on the mulch you\u2019re combining. For instance, adding wood chips on top of landscape fabric is not advisable. Once the wood chips decompose, the nutrients won\u2019t be able to penetrate the fabric and reach the soil.<br\\\/><br\\\/>On the other hand, mixing newspaper mulch with other organic mulches works well. So it\u2019s always best to consult with local lawn care experts when it comes to combining mulches.\u00a0\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/what-is-mulch\\\/#faq-question-1745468544942\",\"position\":2,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/what-is-mulch\\\/#faq-question-1745468544942\",\"name\":\"Do I Have to Remove Old Mulch Before Putting Down New Mulch?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"<br\\\/>In some cases, you won\u2019t have to remove old mulch before putting down new mulch. For example, if you used wood bark and it\u2019s already decomposing, you can just add your new mulch over it. 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