PrintMulch for planting beds
Mulches are landscape workhorses– when used to cover bare ground, they act as a protective blanket that insulates soil, conserves water, and supports habitat. Decomposing organic mulch adds valuable nutrients to soil which feeds beneficial soil microorganisms and earthworms.
| Mulch Type | Examples | Best Use | Key Benefit |
| Organic | Shredded wood, bark chips, pine needles, compost, straw, leaf litter/mold | Flower beds, trees, shrubs, vegetable gardens | Decomposes, adding nutrients and improving soil structure. |
| Inorganic | Gravel, stone, rubber, glass chips, landscape fabric | Walkways, permanent beds, areas needing non-decomposing ground cover | Lasts a very long time, rarely needs replacement, resists erosion, low maintenance, fire resistance |
Consider using mulch if you want:
- To insulate your plants from extreme temperatures.
- To provide important habitat for soil organisms.
- A high quality soil amendment
Design tips:
- Never pile mulch up against the trunk of a tree or the base of a plant. This traps moisture, which can cause the bark to rot, invite insects and disease, and cause roots to grow unnaturally around the trunk (girdling). Instead, pull the mulch back from the base so the root crown or root flare (where the tree trunk meets the ground) is completely exposed; this can be 2 to 3 inches for small plants or up to 6 to 12 inches for large trees.