You may have been told that mulching is an excellent way to protect your landscape elements and conserve water, but has anyone ever told you how much mulch to place or how often to change it? 23 Here is a step-by-step guide with tips to help you choose and spread your mulch correctly.
Mulch Type | Use | Notes |
Bark mulch | To slow down weed growth and prevent moisture evaporation | Wind resistant; many attractive colors; some may be toxic to young plants |
Cocoa shells | In most places where bark mulch is appropriate | Offers a delicious chocolate aroma for 2 to 3 weeks; may grow mold if placed in high temperature areas, but the mold can be washed away; does not deplete nitrogen composition in soil |
Cypress | Anywhere mulch is needed | Most common mulch; readily available and affordable; easy to apply |
Pine needles | On acid-loving plants such as azaleas or gardenias | Decompose slowly and are very light, making them easy to spread; can be difficult to find in areas without native pines |
Straw | On food crops such as berries, tomatoes and herbs | Can be easily uprooted by the wind and may harbor rodents; highly flammable |
Wood chips | Anywhere mulch is needed | Attractive and durable; be sure to choose those that have not been pressure treated or chemically altered |
Stones, pebbles or gravel | Where moisture retention is key | Attractive but expensive; will not blow away or burn. |
Yard waste | Anywhere recycled mulch is needed | Eco-friendly; offers nutrients for the soil; free by mulching grass clippings or leaves from your own yard |
If you need help choosing the right mulch for your landscape, contact Juniper Landscape Company for sound advice. We can help you make your San Diego yard beautiful, healthy and eco-friendly.