Mulch is often used in landscaping to keep the soil moist, keep weeds down, and make the soil better. On the other hand, wood chips or bark nuggets may not always be the best mulch for every garden. You can choose from a number of great mulch alternatives that can offer many of the same benefits without some of the problems that come with regular mulch.
Inorganic Mulch Alternatives
Inorganic mulches do not break down over time like organic mulches so they do not need frequent reapplication. They also do not attract termites or introduce weed seeds into the landscape. Popular inorganic mulch options include
Rocks and Stones
Using rocks, pebbles, gravel, or crushed stones as mulch provides texture and color to the landscape. Small stones may shift or sink into the soil over time and require occasional touch-ups. Larger stones or partial burying can help keep them in place. Stones do not improve soil nutrition but do allow water and air to penetrate to plant roots.
Rubber Mulch
Made from recycled tires, rubber mulch is heavy and won’t blow away. It does not break down over time. Rubber mulch helps conserve water in the landscape. It does not add nutrients back into the soil. Some types may leach chemicals into the soil.
Landscape Fabric
Landscape fabric, also called geotextile fabric, keeps weeds out but lets water and air flow through. It’s not very attractive, and it can stop good earthworms from getting into the soil. Durability varies by brand.
Organic Mulch Alternatives
Organic mulches add nutrients to the soil as they decompose but need reapplication every 1-2 years. Popular organic alternatives include:
Newspaper and Cardboard
Shredded newspaper or cardboard boxes make excellent mulch. Avoid glossy paper or cardboard treated with chemicals. Layer under other mulches to improve weed suppression and extend coverage area.
Hay and Straw
Inexpensive and readily available. Provide good weed control and moisture retention as they break down. Use a thick layer for best coverage. Avoid if pests like rabbits are a problem.
Compost
Nutrient-rich choice. Can be homemade or purchased. Has an earthy smell and appearance. Spread a thin layer near plants, leaving a margin to avoid disease spread.
Leaves
Get rid of the leaves and shred them to use as free mulch. Avoid diseased leaves. The best way to shred leaves is to run a mulching mower over them before picking them up.
Grass Clippings
Fresh clippings from untreated lawns make great mulch. Contains nitrogen to fertilize as it decomposes. Don’t use clippings from lawns treated with chemicals.
Pine Needles
Collected pine needles make attractive, natural-looking mulch. They have an acidic pH, so pair with acid-loving plants. Fresher needles are more acidic.
Cocoa Hulls
Made from the hulls of cocoa beans, these have an attractive color. Provides nutrients as it breaks down. Has a sweet chocolate smell but can attract dogs.
Coffee Grounds
Fresh coffee grounds make free, nutrient-rich mulch. Can be acidic. Avoid grounds treated with chemicals. Don’t apply too thickly or it may repel water.
Wood Chips
Often used for trails, wood chip mulch is long-lasting but needs reapplication every few years. Avoid letting it touch plant stems to prevent rot.
Shredded Bark
Commonly sold as mulch, shredded bark looks tidy and neat. It decomposes faster than wood chips. Reapply yearly. Can attract termites.
Pumice
Porous volcanic rock allows air and moisture penetration. Available in attractive red/brown colors. More expensive but very long-lasting.
Peanut Shells
Crushed peanut shells are attractive and weed-suppressing. Contain potassium and magnesium. Mix with nitrogen sources like grass clipping for balanced nutrition. Avoid whole shells.
Green Mulch
Low-growing ground cover plants like sedum, sweet alyssum, or Irish moss act as living mulch. Maintain regularly to keep tidy and prevent unwanted spread.
There are so many excellent mulch alternatives to choose from. Consider factors like appearance, cost, longevity, weed control, and nutritional benefits when selecting the right mulch substitute for your landscaping needs. Combining organic and inorganic mulches can give you the best of both worlds.
Pine Needles
Pine needles are another great mulch option. They are biodegradable, lightweight, and can be used to keep weeds down in your garden beds. So instead of throwing away all those pine needles, you can use them for mulch. They will raise the pH level of your soil to the right level, which helps kill and prevent fungus, and they will add nitrogen, which helps plants grow.
Before you use them as mulch, make sure they haven’t been treated with chemicals. You can use them fresh or dried. Pine needles are also a good choice if you have a lot of pine trees in your yard. They can be used around other plants as mulch, but they don’t stop weeds from growing as well as some other types.
You can check out our article to learn How to keep the garden weed free
Rubber Mulch
Rubber mulch is an excellent choice for your landscaping needs because its an artificial material that looks very natural and can be used in various ways. It comes in different colors and textures, so you can find one that matches the color of your yard or property. It also has many benefits, including -Its easy to install; just roll out and cut as needed. -It doesnt require any maintenance at all, which makes it ideal for busy people who dont want to spend hours keeping up with their yard work each week.
Which Mulch is the Best for Your Landscape? | Dig In
FAQ
What is the best alternative for mulch?
Stone. Photo: Lari Bat / iStock / Getty Images. Pumice Stone. Pumice stone is a beautiful and textural alternative to mulch. Rubber Mulch. Photo: MrIncredible / iStock / Getty Images. Shredded Newspaper. Leaf Mulch. Ground Cover (aka Green Mulch) . Grass Clipping. Straw.
What do landscapers use for mulch?
Wood Chips Made from shredded or chipped branches, bark, and wood. Available in different sizes, from fine to coarse.
Is it better to use mulch or rock for landscaping?
Overall, landscape rock is easier to keep up with than mulch. It doesn’t need replacing and has fewer issues with weeds and moisture. Feb 20, 2024.
Is mulching really necessary?
It keeps the soil from washing away, keeps temperatures from getting too high or too low, keeps weeds from growing, protects the soil from erosion, and acts as a barrier or visible marker of gardening beds to keep landscape maintenance equipment from damaging them.