What is the best kind of mulch to use?

Mulching – from dyed to natural, chipped to shredded, pine to hardwood, everyone seems to have their own preference. But here at Sunrise Gardens, we have a favorite mulch that we always keep in stock – Double Shredded Premium Hardwood Bark Mulch.

Our Double Shredded Premium Hardwood Bark Mulch is made from ground oak bark that is cured for up to a year, and then shredded again with a specialty bark grinder for a lovely fine consistency. It has a very nice appearance, great coverage, reduces weed growth, retains ground moisture, and adds valuable soil nutrients. After wetting, the shredded bark knits together to create a breathable mat that resists washing away (in most applications).

Not only does our mulch look great, but it also offers additional benefits:

• Weed Control: By reducing weed growth, our mulch helps to keep your garden looking tidy and well-maintained.
  
• Moisture Retention: Mulch retains ground moisture, ensuring that your plants don’t lose moisture during hot summer days.
  
• Soil Nutrients: Our mulch adds natural soil nutrients as it breaks down over time, enriching the soil and promoting healthy plant growth.
  
• Durability: After wetting, the shredded bark knits together to create a breathable mat that resists washing away in most applications. This mulch may break down quicker than some other varieties (lasting about 1-2 years on average), we firmly believe that the benefits far outweigh this minor inconvenience.
  

When was the last time you had your beds mulched? If it's been more than 2 years, now's the perfect time to give us a call and schedule a mulching. We offer mulch delivery or can assist with mulching any time of the year. Our Double Shredded Premium Hardwood Bark Mulch is delivered to us by the semi-load from a reputable mulch producer in Central Wisconsin, ensuring the highest quality for your landscape.

Other Mulch Options

Different types of landscape mulch offer various benefits and drawbacks. Here's an overview of the pros and cons of some common types of mulch:

Bark Chips:

Pros: Resistant to compaction and wind, attractive appearance, readily available.

Cons: Slow decay, can be washed away by rain, may attract insects.

Shredded Bark or Wood:

Pros: Somewhat resistant to compaction, wind and rain, attractive appearance, readily available.

Cons: Medium decay rate, color may fade over time.

Pine Straw:

Pros: Resistant to compaction and wind, acidic for acid-loving plants, decomposes slowly, readily available.

Cons: Less attractive appearance, may harbor pests and weed seeds.

Compost:

Pros: Improves soil structure and fertility, readily available.

Cons: Quality may vary, fast to break down, may contain weed seeds.

Gravel/Solid Rock:

Pros: Resistant to compaction and wind, attractive appearance, doesn't decay, doesn't fade.

Cons: Can add too much heat to soil, not optimal for plant growth.

Shredded Rubber:

Pros: Resistant to wind, doesn't decay, doesn't fade.

Cons: Expensive, may not be environmentally friendly, can heat up soil.

When choosing mulch for your landscape, consider factors such as appearance, decay rate, availability, and impact on soil and plant health. It's essential to select a mulch type that aligns with your gardening goals and preferences.