5 Types Of Wood Mulch: Which Is The Best Option For You?

In landscaping, mulch refers to organic products that are applied to gardens to conserve water usage, as a soil improvement, and as decorative ground cover. One of the most popular types of mulch is bark mulch and comes in chips of different sizes and shapes. Wood mulch also comes in several other varieties that feed the soil as they decompose, help retain soil moisture, and improve the appearance of your garden.

5 Types of Wood Mulch

Wood mulch is of many different varieties, and it can be hard to decide which variety to lay down over your garden beds. Below are the five most common types and why or why you shouldn’t choose the mulches for your landscaping.

1. Bark Mulch

Bark mulch is the most popular type of mulch since it looks fantastic once you lay it down. It is also a great option regarding water conservation because it provides a substantial barrier against the evaporation of moisture. Unfortunately, it usually comes in large chips that decompose slowly. If you find shredded bark, use it. Shredded bark traps moisture better than large chips and decays faster.

2. Colored Mulch

Colored mulch is another favorite variety of wood mulch. It is typically composed of either shredded wood or wood chips that have been dyed a reddish color. Dyed mulch is an excellent option if you are specific about the appearance of your landscape. It is unmatched when it comes to appearance. Naturally, the good looks come at a price. If you choose this option, you should ensure that your budget can accommodate it.

3. Cedar Mulch

Cedar mulch is one of the best types of wood mulch. Cedar mulch has natural oils in the wood that repel insects, which makes it the ideal choice of wood mulch, particularly in areas where termites are prevalent. It tends to cost slightly more at first, but it is worth the additional cost especially when you consider the fact that it is a pest repellant.

4. Pine Peelings or Shavings

Pine peelings are merely the byproduct of the intricate pine wood milling processes. The shavings are then collected and sold in bulk as wood mulch. Pine peelings might not be head turners as cedar or bark mulch are, but they get the job done. If you are working on a tight budget, but would still like wood mulch for your garden, pine or wood peelings in general from a local wood supplier or lumber yard is a great option.

5. Natural Colored Mulch

Natural colored mulch is the wood-based mulch that’s not colored to improve the aesthetic appeal. It is an excellent option for many homeowners since it is usually cheaper than the colored variety. It provides similar benefits with regards to weed reduction, moisture retention, and composting properties, but doesn’t carry the additional price tag attached to dyed or colored mulch.

The Bottom Line

The types of wood mulch vary significantly as is evident here. There are many different options for different applications and areas. If you are still not sure about which variety to use in your garden, you should talk to a local landscaping expert for additional advice.