12 Types of Mulch That Will Majorly Improve Your Lawn and Garden

Mulch is like a warm hug for your garden and landscape. It holds in moisture while preventing weeds and scorching from the sun, along with a number of other benefits, such as adding organic matter back into the soil. Here is a look at the different types of mulch and which could be the best fit for your outdoor space.

What Is Mulch? 

While you may think of compost or bark when you hear the word “mulch,” the term refers to any organic or inorganic materials that you apply over regular soil. Mulch has tons of great benefits, like preventing weed growth and soil erosion, helping soil retain water, and insulating soil against extreme weather.

Organic mulch, which naturally breaks down over time, also helps to feed soil. On the other hand, inorganic mulch does not break down over time. While you will want to replace organic mulch annually, you can wait five years or longer to replace some types of inorganic mulch.

8 Organic Mulch Varieties

Organic mulch is, hands down, the best choice for your landscape, as it breaks down and adds nutrients to the soil. You will need to replenish mulch for landscaping on a regular basis, but consider it an investment in the health of your plants and lawn.

1. Grade A Cypress Mulch

Grade A cypress consists of only the bark stripped from the outside of the tree and holds in moisture better than any other mulch. It is one of the priciest options, but it keeps its shape and color the longest. It also has the slowest breakdown of all organic types.

2. Bulk Cypress Mulch

Bulk cypress mulch is the most common type found at home improvement and retail stores. It contains the interior wood of cypress trees after they get stripped of their bark to make Grade A cypress mulch. This mulch typically holds its color for about a year before needing to be replaced.

If you opt for this type of mulch, be sure to remove the old before spreading the new. It does not break down as effectively as other organic mulches. It will also suck up more moisture from the ground and can clump up, grow mold, and attract insects such as ants, roaches, and termites.

3. Crushed Pine Needle Mulch

Pine needle mulch has a vibrant color and is one of the best choices for weed control. Although you will need more of it to block sunlight than cypress, it takes less effort because it is lighter to spread and provides better coverage. 

It also has the best nutrients to add to the soil, but breaks down faster than cypress and needs more frequent replenishment. Plus, it is pretty lightweight and can get carried away easily by a strong gust of wind. Overall, though, it is an affordable option that spreads further than any other mulch.

4. Pine Bark Mulch

Pine bark mulch typically holds its color and lasts longer than most organic mulches. It comes in crushed or nugget forms. Crushed mulch will take more bags to spread, but will give the best coverage and keep its natural brown color the best. Keep in mind that this is a lightweight and buoyant mulch, meaning it could get washed or blown away in harsh weather.

5. Straw

Straw works best as a light cover for a freshly seeded lawn. It helps hold the seed in place while also preventing hungry birds and rodents from having it for lunch. Like other mulches, it also holds in moisture, which is extra important for thirsty grass seeds. 

If you mulch your yard with this, remember to pick straw rather than hay; hay contains seeds that may later turn into weeds.

6. Composted Manure

Animal manure mixed with compost is a top-tier choice for your vegetable garden, but it works for other plants as well. A major benefit of this material is that it breaks down slowly, allowing a continuous release of nutrients over time. 

A mulching tip to keep in mind is to avoid using fresh manure on your lawn or garden. This is because the fresh stuff contains way too much nitrogen and will burn your plants. Also, do not use manure from cats, dogs, or pigs, as it can contain parasites. Rather than raiding the backyard or litter box, head to your local garden center or find an animal farmer who will happily provide it for free.

7. Grass Clippings

Have you been wondering how to make mulch? If you have a lawn, you are in luck. The clumps left behind by your lawnmower are an excellent (and free) option for controlling weeds around your trees, shrubs, and flower garden. Take care not to spread it too thickly, as it can mat together and form an impenetrable layer that blocks out water. Be sure the clippings you use were not treated with herbicides within the last month. 

8. Cardboard or Newspaper

A great DIY mulch for natural weed prevention is either cardboard or newspaper. Be sure to leave out glossy ad flyers, tape, and other inorganic materials that will not break down. As a bonus, you will be providing delicious munchies for your earthworm friends.

"You can also use newspaper in conjunction with other organic mulches to provide additional weed prevention,” says Tara Dudley, Angi Expert Review Board member and owner of Plant Life Designs.

4 Inorganic Mulch Types

These inorganic mulches will help prevent weeds and slow their spread, plus they will not require replacement nearly as often. They are also quite pleasing to the eye and create a clean aesthetic that some favor. 

They do not, however, bring any soil nutrition to the table, as they will not break down naturally. Avoid using these options for plants, trees, and other living parts of your lawn.

1. Rock or Gravel

There are quite a few rock varieties to choose from, and these make great weed-busting materials for walkways; however, they can compact soil and cause too-high soil temperatures, which can stress out your plants. Because of this, you should not use rock around your garden, trees, and other plants.

2. Rubber Mulch

Rubber mulch consists of cut-up old tires and dye. This is technically playground mulch, but it is sometimes found in landscaping (although this is not recommended). It will dry up a garden instead of retaining moisture, and it can damage plants due to its weight.

If you are still unsure which type of mulch to use for your lawn or garden, consult a landscaper in your area for advice. 

3. Landscape Plastic

Landscape plastic is a thin layer of plastic that is easy to install. In particular, it is one of the most effective methods for preventing weeds and works very well as an insulator. When you use landscape plastic, you can plant crops earlier than usual and you may have better crop quality.

Some of the disadvantages of this mulch type include the potential for microplastics to leach into the soil and the development of fungus problems from too much water retention. Also, you will have to remove and replace the plastic after each crop season, which creates a lot more waste compared to organic mulch options.

4. Seashells

Using crushed seashells for mulch can help fertilize your gardens and increase the visual appeal of your yard. This natural material helps the soil retain water and heat while preventing weeds. Keep in mind that, over a long period of time, seashells can slowly decompose. During this process, you may notice the pH of the soil slowly rising. This may be a pro or con, depending on your soil composition.