Types of Mulch for Your Landscape

It may seem trivial, but mulch does a great job of transforming landscapes beyond mere aesthetics. Depending on the type of mulch, it can help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and more.

Whether you want an organic or inorganic mulch for your landscape, learn more about the different types of mulch — from wood chips to corncobs and stone to recycled tumbled glass.

Organic vs. Inorganic Mulch

There are various types of mulch, with each falling into either of the two classifications: organic or inorganic. The difference between organic and inorganic mulches is in their composition and decomposition.

Organic mulch: Derived from plant or animal matter, organic mulches decompose fast and add nutrients to the soil.

Inorganic mulch: Mostly derived from non-living materials, inorganic mulches decompose slowly, if at all. This makes them last longer than organic mulch, lessening the need for frequent replacements.

Pro Tip: Some homeowners prefer green mulch or living mulch, which involves covering the soil with a dense layer of low-growing plants like clover, calendula, and sedges. If you’d rather have green mulch or another mulch alternative, you can hire a landscaping professional to help determine the best option for your landscape.

See Related: How Often Should You Replace Mulch?

Organic Mulch Types

Organic mulches have become more popular these days because they can help nurture your yard with little to no environmental impact. You can choose from this list of organic mulches recommended by most experts. Click on the type in the table below to skip to that section.

Wood Chips

Made from shredded wood and tree trimmings, wood chips tend to interlock, reducing the possibility of getting washed away.

Pine Needles

Also called pine straw, pine needles are a lightweight mulch collected from coniferous pine trees. They create a light and airy layer, allowing water to penetrate while suppressing weed growth.

Grass Clippings

For free mulch, you might want to consider using grass clippings, as you can easily obtain them by mowing your lawn. They’re rich in nitrogen, which helps feed your lawn and garden plants.

Shredded Leaves

Money doesn’t grow on trees, but free mulch does. If your yard is always littered with fallen leaves in the fall, you can mulch them with a mulching mower.

Leaf Mold

Once leaves decompose, they break down into leaf mold. This resulting soft, rich material is one of the best types of mulch for flower beds and vegetable gardens.

Note: If you don’t know how to make leaf mold, you can check out this video:

Newspaper

Shredded types of mulch, like newspaper, can help retain soil moisture. But if you add it as whole sheets, it can be an excellent weed barrier that’s inexpensive and eco-friendly.

Cardboard

A thicker variation of newspaper, it functions the same way as newspaper mulch but lasts longer. It’s ideal for sheet mulching, especially if you’re establishing new landscaping beds.

Cocoa Chips

Also known as cocoa shell mulch, these are made from cocoa shells that separate from the cocoa beans when roasted. Because of its pleasant chocolate aroma, you can identify this garden mulch even in the dark. However, you can only enjoy its chocolate aroma for up to 3 weeks.

Straw

Straw is a lightweight mulch often mistaken for hay. While they look similar, the main difference is that hay usually contains weed seeds and is used as animal feed. Straw, on the other hand, is fluffier, lighter, and less likely to contain weed seeds.

Compost

Made from decomposed organic matter like food scraps and yard waste, compost has a more balanced carbon-nitrogen ratio. Since compost mulch already contains soil microbes, it won’t use the nitrogen in the soil when it breaks down.

Wood Bark

You can use wood bark for an organic mulch that will last for years. Made from the outer layer or bark of conifers like oak, pine, and cedar, this mulch can have varying sizes and textures, depending on the tree species.

Hazelnut Shells

While more expensive than cocoa shells, hazelnut shells decompose more slowly and are generally safe for pets.

Note: If you’re in the Southern U.S., you can use pecan shell mulch instead, which provides the same benefits as hazelnut shell mulch.

Corncobs

This lightweight, eco-friendly mulch is made by shredding and drying the leftover cobs from harvested corn.

See Related: How to Mulch Your Yard

Inorganic Mulch Types

While inorganic mulches can’t nurture the soil, they remain one of the trusted options for weed prevention. Here are the most common types of inorganic mulch you can use to beautify your landscape and more:

Stone/Gravel

After years of experimenting with different types of mulch, I finally found my holy grail — stone mulch. I love this type of mulch, especially river rock, because I don’t have to replace it (unless I change my landscape design). These natural rock materials, along with crushed stone and pea gravel, are mined or collected from quarries or riverbeds, then sorted by size and color.

My Tip: Before installing stone mulch, create a slight depression (around 1 to 2 inches, depending on the size of your stone mulch) on the area or use garden edging. This will help contain your stone or gravel and prevent runoff, especially during heavy rains.

Rubber

Thanks to its cushioning properties, many homeowners prefer using rubber mulch, which is made from recycled tires that are shredded into small pieces. It doesn’t decompose or rot, making it one of the best types of mulch for landscaping.

Landscape Fabric/Plastic

Landscape fabric and plastic sheeting are synthetic materials specifically designed for laying over soil to prevent weed growth. However, they can also hinder your plants’ growth, so it’s not a good idea to use them on flower beds, landscaped beds, and vegetable gardens.

Shells

Typically sourced from seafood processing facilities, this inorganic mulch is made from crushed oyster, clam, or mussel shells. It can add calcium and phosphate to the soil when it decomposes after a few years.

Recycled Tumbled Glass

Made from post-consumer glass, recycled tumbled glass has been processed to remove sharp edges. It comes from recycled glass bottles and glassware, which are tumbled until smooth and safe to handle.

My Tip: If you can’t add actual water features in your landscape, using recycled tumbled glass can be a more practical way of creating water-like features. Use varying shades of blue or aqua to create depth for a more realistic effect.

How to Choose the Right Mulch for Your Needs

Choosing the right mulch depends on several factors, including your garden’s location, the overall look you want to achieve, and the maintenance level you want. Here’s a guide to help you select the best mulch to cater to your specific needs:

Location

Think about where the mulch will be used and the type of traffic it will experience.

• Pathways and high-traffic areas: Durable options like stone, gravel, or rubber work best since they resist compaction.
• Garden beds or around trees and shrubs: Organic options like wood chips or bark help improve soil health over time.
• Sloped areas: Consider using heavier mulches like stone or bark. These are less likely to wash away compared to lighter mulches like straw or grass clippings.

Aesthetics

Mulch can enhance the overall look and increase the value of your home by complementing your landscape design and color scheme.

• For a natural, rustic look: Try using wood chips, bark, or straw mulch.
• For a modern or polished appearance: Consider stone, rubber, or recycled tumbled glass in coordinated colors.
• For a bright, eye-catching landscape: Colored mulch like dyed rubber or recycled tumbled glass can create a striking contrast.

Maintenance Level

Your choice of mulch will also depend on how much upkeep you’re willing to do.

• Low-maintenance: Use durable options like stone, rubber, or recycled tumbled glass mulch that last a long time.
• High-maintenance: Organic mulches like compost, grass clippings, and newspaper will need to be replenished more often.

Budget

Mulch prices can vary widely depending on type and availability.

• Budget-friendly: Grass clippings, leaves, and newspapers are very affordable. You can even get leaves and grass clippings for free if you source them from your yard.
• Moderate: Wood chips and bark are widely available and moderately priced.
• Expensive: Hazelnut shells, recycled tumbled glass, and rubber mulch are more expensive upfront. However, they offer long-term savings due to their durability.

See Related: Mulch Calculator: How Much Mulch Do You Need?

Plant Needs

Different plants thrive with different types of mulch.

• Moisture-loving plants like the cardinal flower and hosta can benefit from compost, grass clippings, or leaf mold as mulch for moisture retention.
• Drought-tolerant plants like succulents and lavender prefer stone, gravel, or shells for improved drainage and heat retention.
• Vegetable gardens benefit from nutrient-rich options like compost, straw, or grass clippings.

Climate

Your local climate will impact how well certain mulches perform.

• Hot, dry climates: Using light-colored mulches like stone or shells can help reflect heat and keep the soil cool.
• Humid climates: Avoid moisture-retaining mulches like straw and grass clippings as they can encourage mold and pests. Instead, you can use stone or gravel.
• Cold climates: Insulating mulches like bark and compost can help protect plant roots from frost.

FAQ About the Types of Mulch for Landscapes

Use the Right Type of Mulch for Your Lawn

Once you know your needs and priorities, choosing the right mulch for your landscape is easy. But it’s easier if you hire a landscaping pro who can help you with everything — from planning to maintenance.

Main Photo Credit: osseous / Flickr / CC BY 2.0