Types Of Mulch

Spring is here, and that means many homeowners are considering landscaping projects to improve the appearance and value of their home. Like pioneers hundreds of years before them, today's homeowner is likely to include mulch to form a natural protective layer between the grass and the soil. While there are various kinds of natural and synthetic mulches available today, all serve these basic functions:

• To suppress the growth of weeds
• To protect against extremes in temperature
• To reduce soil water losses

Before buying a specific type of mulch, homeowners need to ensure that it supplies the soil with organic material, stays in place, and doesn't contain insects, weeds, or diseases. There are also several different types of mulch to consider, including the following:

• Chocolate mulch is derived from roasted cocoa beans. During the roasting process, the shell is sterilized when it is separated from the bean. The shell is organic and free of weeds, making it an ideal ingredient for mulch. However, homeowners with pets need to supervise them carefully as ingesting chocolate mulch can be toxic.
   
• Hardwood mulch is created from the bark of oak and maples trees. It compacts over time and doesn't blow away easily, which makes it a good choice for landscaping on a steeped hill.
   
• Pine bark mulch is taken from pine tree logs and then ground down. It typically comes with several different sizes of pine bark. Because this type of mulch is non-porous and lightweight, it should be placed on flat surfaces so it doesn't wash away.
   
• Ruby red mulch is a type of dyed mulch that many homeowners choose for its bright color contrast against green grass. It's important to check the ingredients to make sure that it doesn't have any harmful petrochemical dyes.
   
• Western red cedar mulch comes from the bark of cedar trees. Its light and airy fine texture makes it an ideal mulch for annuals, perennials, and other small plants.

In addition to selling and installing mulch, staff at The Lawnsmith is happy to help homeowners choose the right type for their budget and landscaping needs. Get a free estimate on our mulching services!