Pine Mulch Vs Hardwood Mulch

These reddish brown chunks of pine bark give your garden a neat natural look.

Pine mulch vs hardwood mulch.

Hardwood mulches are derived from the shredded or chipped bark and heartwood of trees including oak poplar and maple. Mulch performs a key role in an attractive healthy garden or landscape but the array of choices can prove daunting. Organic mulches have to be replenished periodically usually every two to three years. Hardwood mulch decomposes more slowly so it may not require two applications each year.

I even use sifted pine bark mulch to get pieces around 1 8 to 1 4 to mix into bonsai soil with small river rock turface. Other trendy types of organic mulch like shredded hardwood material pine needles and leaf mold. Keep in mind that mulch reduces maintenance but doesn t eliminate it. Pine bark nuggets photo by john taylor.

And choose bark type mulches such as pine bark nuggets before shredded wood types such as cedar bark mulch cypress and hardwood. Conversely hardwood mulch could cost as much as 2 29 per 2 cubic foot bag depending on the type and quality of the leftover bark. Don t forget about additional types like coffee grounds pecan shells and compost. Additionally prices may vary on shredded mulch.

Because of its staying power hardwood mulch is ideal for sloped beds and gardens in wet climates. Triple shredded mulch costs more than double shredded mulch. When you cover your soil with a layer of wood chips or. If you save your kitchen scraps you may be able to cover your garden in organic mulch for free.

Cypress mulch averages about 1 49 per 2 cubic foot bag. Hardwood mulch comes in a wide array of varieties and colors from hardwood to pine to cedar to cypress and then from warm red tones to rich browns to the deepest black. It also comes in many sizes from shredded to large nuggets. Despite the name hardwood mulches actually decompose faster in the landscape than cedar or pine bark mulch owing to a higher cellulose content.

Mulching is the single most important thing you can do to keep your garden healthy and to cut back on maintenance.