What Are All the Types of Mulch?

Written By Carli Holas

Mulch is great, it does a lot of good things for your lawn. It prevents weeds, builds pest resistance, improves soil quality, and so much more. But not all types of mulch are built the same. Some are better for different environments and meet different needs. Depending on your landscape situation, you may need a specific type of mulch. Let the experts at Pioneer Landscape Centers help you figure out which mulch is perfect for you.

What’s the Difference Between Organic and Inorganic Mulches?

There are two overarching types of mulch with several subtypes: organic and inorganic mulches. The difference between them is best defined by what they’re made of. As the name “organic mulch” implies, these mulches are made of organic matter that is the byproduct of other industrial processes. They degrade over time, adding nutrients to the soil and improving its quality. Inorganic mulches are made up of man-made materials that do not biodegrade and need to eventually be removed. 

At first glance, it sounds like organic is better, but in reality, they serve different purposes. Organic mulch helps:

  • Improve soil moisture
  • Control soil temperatures
  • Lessen soil erosion
  • Prevent weeds from growing
  • Kill pathogens
  • Help symbiotic microorganisms

Inorganic mulch, on the other hand, serves as a physical barrier that:

  • Retains moisture
  • Fills in mulch
  • Prevent weeds from planting

There are many cases where you may need one of each type because their purposes have little crossover. But then, which types of organic and inorganic mulches are right for you? We can answer that too.

Types of Organic Mulch

The different types of organic mulch are separated by what they’re made of. Some are byproducts of animal raising and others are from the natural landscape. This has led to a variety of organic mulch that each do different things better.

  • Bark and wood chips: This type of mulch is a byproduct of lumber, and provides a material that biodegrades in a moderate amount of time. Because they don’t break down as fast as other mulches, bark and wood chips are recommended for larger plants with a much longer life cycle. This includes trees and large shrubs.
  • Grass clippings & shredded leaves: These are free and are produced when you mow your lawn. They also have a high amount of water stored up that allows them to decompose quicker. This means they are good for short-term use in flower beds. Due to their sickness, they are also perfect for weed prevention, acting like a protective layer. The one downside is that they tend to produce an odor that many people don’t enjoy, so use this type of mulch with caution.
  • Straw: This type of mulch is ideal for vegetable gardens and recently seeded lawns because it provides a home for beneficial insects and prevents soil-borne diseases from making it to your plants' lower leaves. It decomposes slower than most organic mulches, so it wouldn’t be great for fast-growing plants.
  • Garden compost: This compost is made of waste, garden products, and manure. This combination gives your soil a needed boost of nutrients and adds a layer of protection for temperature control.

Types of Inorganic Mulch

Inorganic mulch is used as a barrier to protect the soil and organic mulch in a few different ways. Because it doesn’t decompose, it has to be removed and replaced, but sometimes this is necessary to protect your yard from pests, diseases, flooding, and extreme temperatures.

  • Rubber: This may seem strange, but rubber is a popular inorganic mulch. It's commonly used as a cushion to protect the ground from people walking over it, and the people from anything they may be stepping on. While it is technically capable of temperature control, this is not recommended as the rubber has toxins that can kill plants. This is only for creating borders between plants and non-plant material and creating aesthetically pleasing pathways for people to walk across.
  • Gravel, shingle, slate, pebbles, stone chippings: These inorganic mulches do the same thing with varying aesthetics. They provide insulation to control soil temperature, create borders between plants, and keep weed seeds from planting and growing. 

Get Your Mulch From Pioneer Landscape Centers

Mulch is an incredibly useful and versatile material that can breathe life into your yard and protect it. Make sure you have the appropriate type of mulch for your landscape so you don’t cause long-lasting harm to your soil and/or your plants.

The landscaping experts at your local Pioneer Landscape Centers can help you find and figure out what you need. Contact us today or visit one of our many physical locations for help!

Carli Holas