Inorganic mulch is ideal for areas with steep slopes and hard to maintain landscaping areas where organic mulch offers nutrients in areas there may be health concerns for your plants. Organic mulch also needs to be replenished as it decomposes to feed your plants creating a rich area for growth and other organisms.
Types & Benefits of Organic Mulch
- Shredded Cedar – Shredded cedar decomposes takes years to break down decomposing slowly. Using a mulch with slower decomposition means you will not have to replenish as often. Cedar produces a scent that wards off several different types of insects. You will see great success in your flower bed of annuals, perennials, larger trees and shrubs. Shredded is an airy, light look with diverse textures.
- Hardwood Bark Chips – Hardwood bark chips are produced from shredded bark of oaks, maples and other hardwood trees. This mulch can withstand high winds and rain because of the solid materials composition. A specialty nutrient in hardwood bark chips is alkaline. Picking plants that thrive in an environment that has high alkaline content will suit this mulch best. You may consider this one of the best mulch options because it provides nutrients while offering a hardy texture that is environmentally friendly and breaks down slowly.
- Grass Clippings – IMPORTANT: If you chemically treat your lawn, do not use grass clippings as mulch! Your plants will not thrive under chemical treatments that were put into your grass. You may find grass clippings to be the most cost-effective source of organic mulch, but your sacrifice the design and “fashion” in choosing this option. Grass clippings break down quickly, needing consistent replenishing. Clippings are rich in nitrogen as a specialty nutrient. If you decide to use grass clippings it is important the clippings are dry and spread in thin layers for prevention of the grass rotting.
- Hemlock Bark – Hemlock bark is offered in different texture varieties and offers a beautiful color contrast for plants and trees. If your objective is to repel insects and pests you will find a high concentration of tannins in hemlock bark aiding you in this innovative. The best feature of hemlock bark may be that it is nontoxic and safe for children and pets!
Types & Benefits of Inorganic Mulch
- Landscape Fabric – There are a variety of landscape fabrics on the market today from erosion control to general landscape and so forth. Landscape fabrics offer protection on steep inclines and protection for new transplants to ensure new roots are not overtaken by weeds. Using landscape fabric can ensure safe development of your new landscape.
- Gravel and River Rock – You don’t have to worry about breakdown or decomposition of rock in your landscape design. Rock will not improve the nutrients in your soil and can be difficult to remove or move should you decide to change things up. Rock can add diverse textures and colors to your design. Rock can also be helpful in areas with larger slopes.
- Brick Chips – chips are composed of broken and crushed brick material. In this composition, you will see variations of colors and sizes. Brick chips tend to be heavy and stay in place. You may find this to be one of the more expensive options. Brick chips tend to complement the natural tones of homes today.
- Rubber - Main types of landscape rubber is made from old tires. It is non-porous and can promote soil moisture while reducing growth of fugus in landscapes. Rubber is made of dense materials making it difficult for weeds to growth through. The most amazing feature about using rubber in your landscape is you are reducing the carbon footprint and eliminating rubber from landfills is eco-friendly!