Mulches are one of the most useful tools in landscaping. Aside from aesthetics, mulches also help preserve the moisture and control the temperature of the soil. They also prevent soil erosion and keep grass from growing. There are different types of mulch and each has its own advantage depending on your purpose. Choosing the right mulch for your landscape or garden is very important if you want to achieve your goal.
Organic Mulches
Using organic mulches will add fertility to your soil. Once they decompose, nutrients will be absorbed by the soil, which will help in growing healthy plants or trees. However, organic mulches will have to be replaced after sometime, depending on the type of material. Here are the different types of organic mulches:
Wood Chips
This is one of the most common mulches that are used in gardens. Fresh wood chips give a classic garden design. They decompose much slower compared to other organic mulches, which makes them last from one to four years. More importantly, wood chips don’t carry weed seeds. If you are planning to make an informal pathway along the garden, placing wood chips on top of the soil is a good choice.
Bark Mulch
Another organic mulch that can last for a long time, bark mulches are often used because they are aesthetically great for landscaping. They also contain oil that repels water, which is a big help in maintaining moisture in the soil. Bark mulches are ideal to place around trees, shrubs and garden beds. If you want nutrients in your soil, try using shredded bark mulches because they are a little faster to decompose compared to large bark chips.
Shredded leaves
If you want your garden or backyard to have a forest look, then shredded or chopped leaves should be your choice of mulch. If you can get a hand on autumn leaves, then much better. They create a natural outdoor appearance that is pleasing to the eye. Leaves decompose within a year, but there will surely be no problem replacing them. Leaves are free and can easily get anywhere.
Compost
Compost is a good choice for gardens with growing crops that need a huge boost of nutrients and organic matter. Basically, it can be used on any type of garden but doesn’t really contribute to the aesthetics of the landscape. Also, compost tends to carry weed seeds. So make sure to get the right compost to avoid growing weeds in your garden.
Grass Clippings
This is another mulch that can give your garden bed fertility and good nutrients. Grass clippings easily decompose and have high water content. However, just like leaves, they tend to mat and prevent water from entering the soil. They also become slimy and smelly over time. You should avoid using grass clippings that were sprayed with pesticides or herbicides on vegetable gardens.
Hays and Straws
These are the popular choices for mulch of organic garden owners. They decompose easily and will give your soil a good amount of nutrients. But since they break down fast, you will need to replace them multiple times a year. Hays and straws are not the right mulches if you are aiming for a beautiful landscape. Also, they tend to carry weed seeds so make sure to find a good source of them.
Inorganic Mulches
These types of mulches do not contribute to the fertility of the soil. When choosing the right mulch for your landscape/garden or when searching for mulch Gold Coast ideas, inorganic mulches can be a good choice since they do not break down and can be used for a very long time. They do a very job in preventing weeds from growing and in keeping the moisture in the soil. Below are the different types of inorganic mulches:
Landscaping Fabric
Landscaping Fabrics can be placed on top of the soil either by itself or under another type of mulch. The main use of it is to prevent weeds from growing. However, it also prevents water and nutrients from entering the soil, which is not ideal for organic gardening. Landscaping fabrics are best suited for pathways where no plants are growing.
Plastic Mulches
These particular mulches are often used to help in vegetable farm production. The research found that growing some vegetables on coloured plastic mulches will increase yield. Plastic mulches are great for warding off weed seeds and they can be reused for a longer period of time. Use the coloured plastic mulches that are penetrable by moisture so water can reach the soil.
Stones/Gravel
Probably the best type of mulch when aiming for a formal look at your garden, stone and gravel mulches are great for building stunning landscapes. They are also ideal for gardens with plants that require more heat. Stones and gravels have the capability to absorb heat and release it to the soil. If you have rain gardens or herb gardens, these mulches are for you.
Old Carpet
You can also make use of your old carpets as mulches to your garden or backyard. They are readily available and are easy to spread out. Synthetic and natural-fibered carpets are both good mulches, although natural fibres will last longer. Old carpets absorb water, which can help maintain the moisture level in the soil.
Now that you know the different types of mulches, choosing the right mulch for your landscape or garden will be easier. After deciding which type of mulch to use, you can contact us at PBC Landscape Supplies. We have all the products available for all landscaping needs.
Call us now on 07 55 981 377 to get a free quote on your landscapes supplies.
