Mulch gives landscapes a more finished look.
Mulch refers to the layer of inorganic or organic material used on soils to help retain moisture and reduce erosion. Although both types of mulches are beneficial, organic mulches are preferred since they continually enrich the soil. Mulch helps to maintain consistent soil temperatures and reduces the growth of weeds. There are four basic types of decorative mulches and all are byproducts of lumber. Choosing the best mulch depends on a personal preference for type, color and the area to be covered.
Hardwood Mulch
Hardwood mulch is the shredded and composted bark of hardwood trees. The bark is obtained before the timber is cut into lumber. After the bark has been composted for about six months, it is shredded and screened for potential wood diseases. The bark gets darker in color as it ages. Composting and aging also release the nutrients within the bark, giving it a dark brown to black color. The coarser mulch helps to prevent land erosion and the finer mulch gives gardens and landscapes a cleaner, well-maintained look. Hardwood mulch has a higher wood density, which insulates the plants from extreme temperatures.
Cypress Mulch
Cypress mulch is obtained from the cypress trees grown southern Georgia and the Florida swamplands. There are two types of cypress mulch: Grade A, or all bark; and Grade B, or premium cypress. Though both types are different, cypress mulch has the tendency to compact and needs to be renewed periodically. Grade A cypress has a reddish brown color and a stringy texture that performs well on slopes. The mulch is naturally decay-resistant and repels insects. It is easy to keep in good shape and appearance when fluffed and turned occasionally. Grade B cypress consists of the whole shredded tree. It has a reddish tan color and woody texture, and is the most popular cypress mulch. It performs well in damp areas. Grade B also naturally repels insects and resists decay. There is little nutritional value in the mulch, and it is primarily used as decoration, which retards weed growth, retains moisture and insulates the soil.
Pine Bark Mulch
Pine bark mulch is obtained from pine trees. In the central and eastern regions of the country, the mulch is obtained from southern pines and consists mostly of the byproducts from the paper and lumber industries. In the western regions, the mulch is a product of the Ponderosa pines, has a deeper color and is thicker in texture. After the bark is chopped and screened, it produces mulch and pine bark nuggets. Reddish brown pine bark does not compact as do other mulches and is resistant to decay. It has very high soil-conditioning properties, and the inherent acidity in the wood makes it a good choice for loosening heavy soils and promoting root growth in acid-loving plants. Pine needles also are frequently used as decorative mulch. Pine needles don't compact and lend an aesthetic value to wooded areas and slopes.
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