Which Mulch Types & Colors To Choose For Your Yard
For a simple, relatively uncomplicated ground covering, mulch is surprisingly versatile. Growers use it to bolster plant and soil health, hold moisture, and prevent weed development, while landscapers choose it for aesthetic reasons, using different colors to create a striking appearance. Even inorganic mulch can reduce soil erosion.
But what kinds of mulch are better for your garden and plants? Here’s what you need to know.
Organic Mulch
Organic mulch is made of materials that were once alive, such as:
- Wood chips
- Bark
- Grass
- Leaves
- Straw
- Composting materials
Because it’s organic, it decomposes over time but provides nutrients to your lawn and garden. Mulches made from lumber remnants can break down over one to three years, while mulches composed of smaller plants like straw break down more quickly.
Aged Wood
Aged wood mulch is probably the most commonly used. It’s made from both softwood and hardwood. Since it’s made of older materials, aged wood mulch tends to break down a little faster than fresh wood.
Aged hardwood mulches — like oak, maple, hickory, and cherry trees — have a deeper color from months of decomposition. These mulches can be ideal for conditioning soil and take a little longer to break down than softwood.
Aged softwood mulches are primarily made from pine but can also be made of cedar, spruce, and fir trees. Softwood mulch is a little more acidic than hardwood, which means it must be used cautiously, as it can leak into topsoil and jeopardize surrounding flower beds.
Fresh Wood
Fresh wood breaks down slowly, so it doesn’t have to be replaced as often as aged wood. It’s usually made from wood that’s recently been chipped or cut. Typically made from pine, cypress, or cedar trees, fresh wood mulch aids in both moisture retention and visual aesthetics. However, it can pull nitrogen from the soil as it decomposes, so it’s advisable to apply it to the top of the soil rather than mixing it into flower beds.
Chipped and shredded fresh wood mulch is ideal for low-lying areas like Austin and Waco, and its finer pieces are likely to mesh more easily. This kind of mulch has a natural look and comes in a variety of colors, but it’s primarily used for functional purposes like retaining moisture, suppressing weed growth, and preventing erosion.
Fresh softwood mulches aren’t as dense and tend to decompose more quickly. They can be very attractive but a little acidic, so they should be used carefully around landscape elements like flower beds and gardens.
Inorganic Mulch
Inorganic mulches can be made of stones, pebbles, rocks, plastic, fabric, and even rubber. They’re usually deployed for either function or appearance.
One practical use of inorganic mulch is controlling the spread of weeds. However, inorganic mulch should only be used around more permanent elements like shrubs or trees and never in more vulnerable settings like gardens.
Mulch Colors
Colored mulches come in several varieties. Each has a different range of uses.
Black Mulches
Black mulches, commonly made from dyed wood chips, absorb light and heat more than lighter hues. This makes it good for warming up the soil in winter and repressing weeds in lawns exposed to the sun.
Brown Mulches
Brown mulches blend well in manicured landscapes thanks to their earthy, natural tone. Made from bark and wood chips, organic brown mulches can enrich the soil and pair well with a broad variety of plant colors.
Red Mulches
Red mulches are generally made from dyed wood and cedar. Besides their stark, eye-popping contrast next to other colors, red mulches are believed to improve the taste of fruits and vegetables.
Gray Mulches
Since gray mulches are most often made of rocks and stones, they are typically extremely low-maintenance. Though they can be functional in suppressing weeds, moderate soil temperatures, and controlling erosion, gray mulches are mainly used for visual appeal.
Dyed Mulches
Mulches that are dyed fade over two or three years — which is generally how long it takes to decompose, so you’d be changing your mulch after this time regardless. The dyes are certified for non-toxicity by the Mulch & Soil Council.
Which Mulch Is Best for Your Lawn?
Whether you’re seeking to improve your garden or simply looking to make the exterior of your home more attractive, mulches can be an easy solution for lawn functionality and appearance. Take time to consider what needs mulches can fulfill for you & if you need professional help, contact Grass Works to learn more about our mulch delivery & installation services in Central Texas.
Grass Works has been providing Expert Residential & Commercial Local Lawn Care Services in Central Texas: Austin, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Avery Ranch, Bee Cave, Lakeway, Steiner Ranch & West Austin since 2007! Need help with your landscaping? Get a free estimate today!
Ferris MyCue is the founder and owner of Grass Works Lawn Care, LLC located in Leander, TX. As a former firefighter who maintained yards on his days off, he saw a need for a dependable, local maintenance company that knew the hill country climate and could deliver quality landscaping services for a reasonable price. Since 2007 he has used his leadership to grow the company into one of the top landscape maintenance companies in Austin and surrounding areas offering landscape maintenance, design, and irrigation services to both residential and commercial clients. Ferris is also a member of the Seasonal Employment Alliance (SEA) and an active participant in advocacy efforts to help promote cap relief.