There are two basic kinds of mulch: organic and inorganic. Organic mulches include formerly living material such as chopped leaves, straw, grass clippings, compost, wood chips, shredded bark, sawdust, pine needles, and even paper. Inorganic mulches include black plastic and geotextiles (landscape fabrics).

What type of mulch is best?

In the right setting, stone mulches (pebbles, gravel or rocks) can be a good choice. They stay put and don’t break down. Smaller sizes such as gravel and pebbles can eventually sink into the soil, requiring touch-up applications (this is where landscape fabric is best used-under stone mulches to prevent sinking) .

What kind of mulch is best for landscaping?

Dyed (or even natural) wood or rubber mulch is a great option for improving the look of a garden landscape. If you’re using mulch to help conserve moisture in a vegetable garden bed, straw or coco coir are natural and organic choices.