Mulch is a protective layer of material that is spread around plants, trees, and bushes in the yard and garden. It can be made of either organic or inorganic materials.
Some Major Benefits
- protection from heat, cold, and drought conditions
- reduced watering frequency (water conservation equals lower water bills!)
- better weed control
- less soil erosion
- enriched soil from organic mulch decay
Organic Mulch Materials
- chipped brush, tree limbs, bark
- grass clippings, straw, leaves, pine needles
- sawdust
- newspaper
Inorganic Mulch Materials
- rocks and gravel
- plastic sheeting
- rubber pellets
Want more information?
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service