Do you mulch with pine straw? Should you mulch with a wood variety? Could you mulch with stone? Do you even mulch?
Pine Straw, Stone or Wood Mulch? The purpose of all these choices is to aid in maintaining soil moisture, control soil temperature, slow weed growth, and provide beauty and contrast to a landscape. Also, it can help prevent soil erosion.
Pine Straw
Pine straw is purchased in bales. Place the bundles of pine straw throughout the areas you want to cover then begin cutting ties, grabbing handfuls and spreading it. Pine Straw is cheap, easy to handle and easy to move. Overtime pine straw will break down and add acidity to the soil it covers. Alas, this makes it a fantastic choice for those acidic plants such as Azaleas, Camellias, Hydrangeas, Gardenias, Holly, Dogwoods, Magnolias and Evergreens.
Wood
Wood mulch comes in many color options, textures, and density. We have pine bark, shredded and double shredded. This mulch provides a moisture barrier for your plant selections that like it wet. It is typically easy to maintain but requires a new layer yearly to freshen up those beds. Finally, the color selection allows you to have the ability to customize and contrast your plants. It will be the icing on the landscape!
Stone
Stones are great for areas that are prone to erosion, lots of rain and wind. Stone provides drainage, which is terrific for the soil condition and roots. It holds heat from the sun, warming the soil and benefiting plants that like additional heat. Currently, rain gardens using a variety of stone are trending up in style. Place large rocks throughout a bed of small stones, spotted with various flowers and ornamental grasses to create a natural look.
So in conclusion, you have the knowledge base for why we use different mulching products. Take a look around, mix, match and find what’s right for your landscaped paradise.
Happy Gardening!