Top 20 Mulches for your garden

Appearance: Good-excellent Insulation: Good; absorbs heat from sun Cost: High in most areas Thickness: 1 in. Weed Control: Good Water Penetration: Good unless allowed to mat Moisture Retention: Good Decomposition Speed: Slow; adds nitrogen to soil Comments: Sawdust can be added to improve texture and increase water retention. May develop mold, has chocolatey smell.

Appearance: Excellent Insulation: Fair Cost: Moderate Thickness: 1 layer Weed Control: Fair Water Penetration: Good Moisture Retention: Good Decomposition Speed: Will live from one year to the next Comments: Includes myrtle, pachysandra, etc. Use where you are not going to walk.

Manure is an excellent fertilizer and soil amendment because of its high content of vegetable matter and relatively low levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

Request dump to your site, from county tree trimmers.

Appearance: Good Insulation: Good Cost: Low where plentiful Thickness: 1-2 in. Weed Control: Good Water Penetration: Good Moisture Retention: Good Decomposition Speed: Rapid; aids nitrogen Comments: Can be mixed with other materials for superior appearance. Might splash in rain.

Low cost in coastal areas, weed contol excellant, provides excellant nutrients

Appearance: Fair, unless chopped Insulation: Good Cost: Low-moderate Thickness: 6-8 in., 1-2 in. if chopped Weed Control: Good; avoid oat straw for weed control Water Penetration: Good Moisture Retention: Good