Mulch: Five Kinds, Ranked

Mulch is boring. Nobody gets excited about mulch. Except it might be the single best investment you can make in a garden.

Here's what we actually use, ranked by usefulness in Utah.

1. Wood Chips (Arborist Grade)

Free from tree services. Inconsistent sizes, but that's actually good (better for settling). Breaks down slowly. Adds organic matter. Lasts 2-3 years.

Only downside: fresh chips can tie up nitrogen as they decompose. Add extra compost your first year.

2. Shredded Bark

Uniform. Professional looking. Stays in place better than chips on slopes. Breaks down slowly (that's good). Costs money but not much.

3. Straw (Not Hay!)

Breaks down fast. Great for vegetables. Problem: hay contains seeds. Ask specifically for straw. Price is similar.

4. Compost

Not technically mulch, but works as one. Breaks down completely in one season. Adds nutrition. Use it for beds that need feeding.

5. Landscape Fabric + Anything

Works but annoying. Weeds root into it. UV degrades it. Eventually you're pulling out pieces from your mulch. Skip it.

The best mulch? The one that's affordable and you'll actually apply. Stop overthinking it and just spread something.

Learn more about soil prep in our growing guide.

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