Mulch can make a significant difference in the look of your landscape. With a variety of mulches in various colors out there, it can be challenging to decide what type of mulch will work best for your landscaping. South Hills homeowners and those in surrounding areas can rely on the expertise of J Bird’s Landscaping to find the right mulch for their landscape. 

Mulch can not only enhance the look of your landscape, but it also offers a variety of benefits to the health of your garden. During the summer season, a layer of mulch can help protect your soil from the direct sunlight. This helps to hold in extra moisture, requiring less watering and keeping the soil moist. 

Mulch also helps to prevent weed growth in your garden. This prevention of weeds is caused by the mulch blocking the sun from the openings in your soil, which keeps the weed from germinating. With a 2-4-inch layer of mulch, your garden can stay weed free! 

In addition to protecting your landscape, mulch also provides fertilization to your soil. As the mulch breaks down, the organic matter it is made of helps to increase the soil’s fertility and structure. 

Shredded Bark
This is one of the most commonly used types of mulch. This type of mulch comes from sources such as cedar trees and carries a lower price tag than other mulch options. With shredded bark, you can expect it to break down slowly. It is excellent for use in sloped landscapes and is available in a variety of colors. 

Pine or Cedar Bark Chips
Pine or cedar bark chips last longer than shredded bark and come in a variety of sizes. Unlike the shredded bark, these chips do not stay in place and are not the best for sloped landscapes or areas where heavy rain could wash them away due to their tendency to float. 

Straw 
Straw mulch breaks down slower than grass clippings or leaves, lasting longer. It also offers a beautiful golden color to the look of your garden. You can use smaller, more shredded pieces of straw or larger pieces depending on the look you want. This type of mulch is commonly used in vegetable gardens or under strawberry plants because it keeps the mud out the fruits and veggies. 

Compost
With compost, you get the look of soil with a darker color that offers a beautiful look to your landscape. While compost breaks down the fastest compared to other types of mulch, the compost will enhance your soil structure more quickly. Compost is also a very inexpensive option that you can create on your own for free or obtain from your municipality depending on where you live. 

At J Bird’s Landscaping, we can help you find the best mulch for your landscape to ensure you get the look and the benefits you want. We also offer a wide range of services for lawn care to South Hills homeowners to keep your lawn looking its best all year round! 

Contact us today to learn more

J Bird’s Mulch Guide

J Bird's Landscaping