11 Mulch Alternatives Worth Trying in Your Garden

Skip those seemingly endless bags of wood mulch and opt for one of these alternatives

front of red brick house with bushes and mulch
Photo: wanderluster / E+ / Getty Images
front of red brick house with bushes and mulch
Photo: wanderluster / E+ / Getty Images
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Traditional mulch like bark and wood chips are familiar choices for gardeners, but there are other mulch alternatives you can use for your garden. Our list of 11 options for mulch will help you get your lawn in top shape. Before adding mulch, be sure to prepare your garden for maximum benefit.

6 mulch materials compared visually, including straw, grass clippings, and wood chips
Photos: franck metois / Moment / Getty Images, Marie Hickman / Stone / Getty Images, trigga / E+ / Getty Images, Johner Images / Royalty Free / Getty Images, Alex Walker / Moment / Getty Images, Mint Images / Mint Images RF / Getty Images

1. Stone

stone mulch pathway
Photo: Lari Bat / iStock / Getty Images

Stone mulch is an option for people who don’t want to reapply mulch every year because it lasts longer than wood chips or bark. Stones will also inhibit the growth of weeds in your garden and add a design element to your landscaping, with landscaping rocks costing around $50 to $800 per ton

Your options with stone mulch include:

  • Large stones: More stable and less likely to move because of rain or other conditions, but take more work to install; ideal for hilly terrains

  • Small stones (including pea gravel): Easier to install than large stones but can be moved and dislodged by animals or weather

Pros of StoneCons of Stone
Aesthetically pleasingTakes time to install (large stones)
Suppresses weed growthMoves easily due to weather and animals (small stones)
Long-lasting since it doesn’t decomposeExpensive option depending on number of stones
Low maintenanceDoesn’t add nutrients to the soil
Conserves soil moistureCan absorb and radiate too much heat in hot climates
Absorbs, stores, and radiates heatDirt and debris can get stuck between stones
Easy to use (small stones)
Stable against weather conditions (large stones)

Best for: Plants that don’t need regular nutrients from the soil to thrive in moderate to cooler climates can benefit from stone alternatives to mulching.

2. Pumice Stone

Pumice stone is a beautiful and textural alternative to mulch. It also helps repel insects and pests. Unlike other rocks, pumice rock allows water and air to pass through, which helps prevent mold and fungus. Also, the pale colors of pumice rock add a nice contrast to the greens and other bright colors of your plants and flowers.

Pros of Pumice StoneCons of Pumice Stone
LightweightCan degrade over time
Allows air to pass through to the soilProvides no nutrients to the soil
Durable against the elementsHigh initial price compared to the cost of mulch
Aesthetically pleasingAppearance might not be your cup of tea
Suppresses weed growth
Long-lasting
Good insulator against heat
Repels insects and pests

Best for: Pumice stones are best for soil that needs consistent moisture levels, proper drainage, airflow, and nutrients. 

3. Rubber Mulch

close up of rubber mulch
Photo: MrIncredible / iStock / Getty Images

Rubber mulch is usually a more expensive option, starting at $7 per bag, compared to wood mulch, which goes for as little as $2 per bag. Rubber mulch is an excellent choice for people who want to reduce their carbon footprint because it’s made from recycled tires. Even in high winds and storms, it stays in place because of its weight, so it doesn’t need replacing as other mulch alternatives do.

Pros of Rubber MulchCons of Rubber Mulch
Long-lastingExpensive option
Doesn’t absorb water, which can prevent waterloggingHeavy metals like aluminum, cadmium, and zinc can contaminate the soil when the rubber starts breaking down
Durable against wind and heavy rainCan release VOC, causing health problems
Suppresses weed growthDoesn’t provide nutrients to the soil
Good insulatorAttract Asian cockroaches
Doesn’t attract most pestsVulnerable to brown rot and white rot fungus
Made from recycled materialCan harm plants
Low maintenance

Best for: Rubber mulch provides insulation for your plants, is low maintenance, and made from recycled material.

4. Shredded Newspaper

Shredded newspaper that only has black ink is an inexpensive and eco-friendly choice for an alternative mulch. If you choose to use newspaper, make sure you don’t include any inserts or ads when you shred it, as those pages have chemicals such as lead in the ink. Shredded newspaper may not be the most attractive option, but if you like the idea of using something recyclable, you can put a layer of another type of mulch over the top of the shredded paper to make it look nicer.

Pros of Shredded NewspaperCons of Shredded Newspaper
Made from biodegradable materialOnly use newspapers with black ink to avoid chemicals leaching into the soil
Budget-friendlyNot the most attractive; requires another mulch to give your landscape a nicer look
Good weed barrierEasily blown away in the wind; may need to be weighed down
Conserves moistureDecomposes in six weeks
Provides insulation against extreme weather conditionsDoesn’t give the soil any nutrients
Easy installationNot recommended to use for edible plants

Best for: Shredded newspaper might be right for you if you’re looking for an inexpensive and recyclable mulch alternative for plants you don’t intend to eat.

Homeowner Review

A dedicated crew revitalized our landscape by removing old plants, brick borders, large bush stumps, and an aged rhododendron. They expertly graded the soil, laid landscape fabric, and planted vibrant new bushes, covering them with fresh black mulch. They reused many of the existing bricks for a border along the walkway and one side of the house and hauled away all of the debris and old bricks that were not used.

Hepp Landscaping

Glenshaw, Pennsylvania

5. Leaf Mulch

man holding leaf mold mulch
Photo: Larisa Stefanuyk / iStock / Getty Images

Leaves make excellent mulch (it’s even better if you have trees, which makes it free), but you must look for any blight or ailment that could harm the soil and plants. Use a leaf shredder so the leaves have the right texture and size to allow plants to grow. Whole leaves will keep moisture from penetrating the ground. If you don’t have a leaf blower, a lawn mower will do.

Pros of Leaf MulchCons of Leaf Mulch
Budget-friendly or free if you own treesMay leach chemicals into the soil if the leaves were sprayed with pesticides
Organic mulchMay need to be replaced more than once a year
LightweightWhole leaves can prevent air and water from reaching the soil
Easy to useLeaves that aren’t thick enough can allow weeds to grow
Provides the soil with nutrients when it decomposesNot the best choice for front yard landscaping
Heat insulatorNot durable against strong winds
Thick layers of leaves can inhibit weed growth
Allows air and water to flow through to the soil

Best for: Leaves are a great alternative when you’re looking for a wallet-friendly organic mulch material that’s easy to use and can help you get rid of all of your leaves while benefiting your soil. 

6. Ground Cover (aka Green Mulch)

You can keep weeds at bay and use less water by choosing a low-growing ground cover as a mulch alternative. Living plants will add nutrients to your soil to help your other plants grow and thrive. Ground cover mulch may need to be maintained and trimmed to prevent it from creeping into other areas of your yard. A local landscaper can help you determine which plants would be best for your garden.

Low-growth plants that work well as ground cover include:

  • Clover

  • Creeping thyme

  • Chamomile

  • Alyssum

  • Creeping Jenny

  • Lamium

Pros of Ground CoverCons of Ground Cover
Suppresses weedsCompetes with main plants for water and nutrients
Retains moistureCan attract unwanted animals and bugs
Organic materialCan hinder the main plant’s growth
Prevents soil erosionCan take over an area if the growth isn’t controlled
Long-lasting
Improves soil quality
Attracts beneficial insects

Best for: Green mulch might be your go-to if you want to improve your soil quality and if it and your main crops can live in harmony.

7. Grass Clipping

man in garden with grass clippings
Photo: JulPo / Getty Images

Grass clippings from mowing your lawn make a great DIY mulch for your garden. Not to mention, it’s free if you have a yard with grass. Place the green clippings closest to the soil to allow for nitrogen absorption, and put brown grass on top. Grass clippings are also very economical and environmentally friendly. But one caveat: Do not use grass clippings treated with fertilizer or pesticides because the chemicals can damage your plants or interfere with their growth.

Pros of Grass ClippingsCons of Grass Clippings
Organic mulchWill need to replace it at least once a year
Budget-friendlyCan potentially harm your plant’s growth
Great heat insulatorNot attractive for landscaping
Releases nitrogen, which helps your plants growBecomes matted if applied too thick, preventing water and air from reaching the soil
Hinders weed growthGenerates heat when it decomposes
Provides nutrients to the soil when it decomposes

Best for: Grass clippings are best for homeowners who have tons of it, want to save on costs, and want to give added nutrients like nitrogen to their soil.

8. Straw

For a farm-friendly feeling to your garden, nothing beats straw. A convenient and moisture-friendly natural product, straw is a good choice for an alternative to mulch. Straw is perfect for vegetable gardens since it can help keep your vegetables and fruits off the ground (no more mushy strawberries?).

One caveat: The biggest drawback with straw is that little critters love to eat it. If you live in a place with lots of rabbits, rodents, or other small animals, straw may not be the best choice for you.

Pros of StrawCons of Straw
Retains moisture in the soilDecomposes within weeks, so you’ll need to reapply it more than once a year
Thick layers can suppress weed growthHarm plants if sprayed with pesticides or herbicides
Gives nutrients to the soilCreates the perfect environment for weeds to grow when it starts to decompose
InexpensiveMay not fit your landscape’s style
Organic mulchMay have weed seeds, which can make your weed problem worse
Keeps your veggies and fruits off the groundAttract unwanted critters that eat straw

Best for: Vegetable gardens in wet climates or large areas can benefit from using straw as a mulch alternative, though you may need to contact your local mulch delivery company to see how much you’ll need. 

9. Cold Compost

man using cold compost fertilizer
Photo: JulPo / Getty Images

There may be nothing more healthy and nutrient-rich for your garden than compost. According to Oregon State University, it takes time to build up a good cold compost, which can include vegetable peels, fruit skins, eggshells, coffee grounds, and other organic materials from your home and garden refuse. But the wait is worth it. Some people find the smell of compost unappealing, but its organic matter, giving it that pungent aroma and making it oh-so-good for your garden.

Pros of Cold CompostCons of Cold Compost
Organic mulchAttract pests
Budget-friendlyCan be heavy and not easy to use
Attracts pollinatorsCreates more heat when it decomposes
Helps retain moistureHomemade compost can take time to make
Improves soil qualityDoesn’t smell pleasant when it’s decomposing
Lets you recycle your food scrapsNot the most effective option for suppressing weed growth
Provides insulation for your plant’s rootsDecomposes quickly so needs to be replaced at least once a year
Minimizes the damage from erosionCan be harmful to plants if it has high levels of nitrogen

Best for: Compost shines in areas that get little to moderate rain when you need to improve your soil quality, and you can create tons of compost for your garden.

10. Cardboard

Cardboard can be an effective way to suppress weed growth (and get rid of those spare boxes you have). Like with newspapers, opt for cardboard boxes with only black ink or none at all to prevent chemicals from leaching into the soil. Also, avoid boxes with waxy coatings since those can take time to decompose and hinder water from reaching your soil.

Pros of CardboardCons of Cardboard
InexpensiveNot aesthetically pleasing
Helps retain moistureNot durable against strong winds
Suppresses weed growthPrevents water and air from reaching the soil
Releases nutrients into the soil when it decomposesChemicals from the cardboard can leach into the soil
Not the best option if you need to improve soil quality
Not recommended for your vegetable garden due to ink

Best for: Cardboard is best for flower beds and walking rows in your garden. 

11. Cocoa Bean Hull

Cocoa bean hulls are the discarded shells of cocoa beans that have been roasted, which separates them from the shell. One thing that makes this alternative a must is its delicious-smelling aroma. However, while it smells nice and can help improve the soil’s texture, cocoa bean mulch is toxic to dogs, according to the National Capital Poison Center, since it contains theobromine and caffeine.

Pros of Cocoa Bean HullCons of Cocoa Bean Hull
Organic mulchExpensive
Retains moistureToxic to dogs
Decomposes slowlyAttracts pests if too wet
Improves soil qualityMay develop mold in hot and humid climates
Smells like chocolate
Aesthetically pleasing
Suppresses weed growth
Provides nutrients to the soil

Best for: Cocoa bean hulls are best for homeowners without dogs, who prefer organic mulch that decomposes slowly and is easy on the eyes.

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