Mulch is aesthetically pleasing because it looks clean and neat.
This gives your garden a "finished" landscaping look and improves curb appeal.
However, the benefits of mulch don't stop there.
Mulch also helps to retain moisture, prevent soil erosion, control weeds and it adds nutrients to the soil.
When it comes to choosing which type of mulch to use, you will find many different options.
Here's a brief look at the different types and the advantages and disadvantages of each one.
Wood chips are the most common type of mulch that you will find at a garden centre.
They are easy to work with, plus it provides all the advantages listed above of good mulch.
The only disadvantage that can be found is with new, unseasoned wood chips.
They tend to give off toxins and acids that can damage new plants.
As well, there is a possibility of developing a fungal contamination.
It is best to stick with wood chips that have been aged for at least a year.
Leaves can also work.
The advantage of using leaves as mulch is that they are free and if you have a lot of trees on or near your yard, then you will have a guaranteed supply every fall.
The disadvantage of leaves is that if they haven't started to decompose, then they can easily blow away or become matted when it rains.
Before using leaves, let them dry out completely and then crush or crumple them to alleviate their disadvantages.
Straw comes from the leftover stems of harvested grain crops.
The main advantage of straw is that is makes a good ground cover for both newly seeded lawns and unplanted patches of garden.
However, straw has a few disadvantages.
Since it is so light, straw tends to blow away easily.
As well, it will quickly decompose and needs to be replaced often.
It is best to use straw as mulch for areas that won't need to be covered or protected for too long.
Newspaper or shredded paper works great in vegetable gardens.
The advantages are that newspaper is easy to find and it will decompose very quickly.
The disadvantages are that you may not find it attractive for landscaping and the coloured ink on the paper can actually harm plants.
If you go for this cost efficient option, just make sure not to use sections such as the comics.
As well, don't use any magazines, as the paper is too glossy.
Pine needles can also be used as mulch.
They have several advantages: they look good in most landscaping designs, they retain moisture and they will stay in place even during a hard rain.
The disadvantages are that they can be hard to find if you have to buy them and they tend to increase the level of acidity in the soil.
However, some plants do love a more acidic soil, so pine needles work great with these plants.
Landscape fabric can be purchased from garden centres in rolls and is also called geotextile.
It has several advantages, including providing excellent weed control, while still allowing air and moisture to pass through it to the soil below.
The main disadvantage of landscape fabric is that the roots of plants above it can penetrate the fabric, making them hard to remove.
This fabric works great in large areas and can even be used under permanent structures such as patios and decks.