06/02/2014
Choosing the Right Mulch for Your Yard
There are many types of mulch out there, from plastics and cocoa hulls to wood chips and more. It's important to do your research so you know what kind is best for your yard.
Black Plastic or Landscape Fabric
Plastic and landscape fabric are typically used as base layers for more decorative mulches. They have the benefit of suppressing weeds and keeping moisture in the soil where it's needed. The downside of black plastic is that moisture can't get into the soil—and plastic isn't especially attractive.
If this is your preferred route, opt for rolls of black polyethylene that are 3 to 4 feet wide and 1 to 1.5 millimeters thick (or thicker). Cover areas in which you want to suppress weeds. If you're putting plastic in a vegetable garden, cut holes for your plants to grow through. Run irrigation lines underneath the plastic or make sure your planting holes are large enough to allow for water to get through to the soil (about 4 inches larger than the base of the plant).
Landscape fabrics are a great alternative to black plastic because they are woven, allowing moisture, fertilizer, and oxygen to get through while still blocking weeds. You can use landscape fabric in the same way as black plastic, except you won't need to put irrigation lines under it, because water can move through it. You can use garden staples to hold landscape fabric in place, but both fabric and plastic should be covered with another type of mulch—not only to keep it where it belongs but to improve appearance.
Mineral Mulches
More decorative than plastics and fabrics, mineral mulches are good at suppressing weeds. They also allow water, fertilizer, and oxygen to pe*****te the soil. Mineral mulches such as lick rocks, gravel, and pebbles are ideal for ornamental gardens, but unless you use a landscape fabric underneath them, they can work themselves into the soil. They can also end up in lawns where lawnmowers can turn them into dangerous flying objects, so use with care.
Use 1 to 2 inches of mineral mulch in your ornamental garden or walkway. Be sure to leave a 3-inch space around the base of any plant, tree, or shrub. Water can seep through rocks so irrigate the way you normally would if this area is planted.
Bark and Hulls
Hulls are the byproducts of crops such as cocoa, buckwheat, or cotton, and can be bought in bags at most garden centers. (There's some controversy over using cocoa hulls because they may be toxic to pets.) Hulls tend to be more expensive than other mulches, and because they are lightweight, they often blow away in strong winds.
Hulls should be spread in a layer about 2 inches deep. Rake the hulls out evenly and then stamp down lightly to prevent the material from blowing away. Finally, spray hulls with a fine mist of water until soaked through.
Bark mulches are byproducts of milled fir, pine, redwood, and spruce logs. Some bark mulches can be toxic to young plants if they are too fresh, but they are typically allowed time to age. If you are concerned, use a thin layer. Bark mulches are less likely to blow away or become compacted.
Bark mulches are best around trees, shrubs, and perennials where soil is not regularly cultivated to plant seeds. Smaller-size chips should be applied 1 to 2 inches deep; larger-sze chips should be applied 3 to 4 inches deep. Keep bark mulch at least 6 inches away from tree trunks.
Organic Mulches
Organic mulches can consist of straw, yard waste, shredded leaves, or even shredded newspaper. These mulches are used most often in vegetable gardens, so it's important to be sure of the sources (you don't want to spread questionable chemicals into your edibles) Choosing the right mulch depends on your specific landscape needs. Once you have that figured out, the rest is easy.
