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Traditional mulch like bark and wood chips are familiar choices for gardeners, but there are other mulch alternatives you can use for your garden. Our list of 11 options for mulch will help you get your lawn in top shape. Before adding mulch, be sure to prepare your garden for maximum benefit.
1. Stone
Photo: Lari Bat / iStock / Getty Images
Stone mulch is an option for people who don’t want to reapply mulch every year because it lasts longer than wood chips or bark. Stones will also inhibit the growth of weeds in your garden and add a design element to your landscaping, with landscaping rocks costing around $50 to $800 per ton.
Your options with stone mulch include:
Large stones: More stable and less likely to move because of rain or other conditions, but take more work to install; ideal for hilly terrains
Small stones (including pea gravel): Easier to install than large stones but can be moved and dislodged by animals or weather
Pros:
Aesthetically pleasing (with various gravel colors to choose from)
Suppresses weed growth
Long-lasting since it doesn’t decompose
Low maintenance
Conserves soil moisture
Absorbs, stores, and radiates heat
Easy to use (small stones)
Stable against weather conditions (large stones)
Cons:
Takes time to install (large stones)
Moves easily due to weather and animals (small stones)
Can get pricey
Doesn’t add nutrients to the soil
Could absorb and radiate too much heat in hot climates
Dirt and debris can get stuck between stones
Best for: Plants that don’t need regular nutrients from the soil to thrive in moderate to cooler climates can benefit from stone alternatives to mulching.
2. Pumice Stone
Pumice stone is a beautiful and textural alternative to mulch. It also helps repel insects and pests. Unlike other rocks, pumice rock allows water and air to pass through, which helps prevent mold and fungus. Also, the pale colors of pumice rock add a nice contrast to the greens and other bright colors of your plants and flowers.
Pros:
Lightweight
Allows air to pass through to the soil
Durable against the elements
Aesthetically pleasing
Suppresses weed growth
Long-lasting
Good insulator against heat
Repels insects and pests
Provides excellent drainage
Cons:
Can degrade overtime
Provides no nutrients to the soil
High initial price compared to the cost of mulch
Appearance might not be your cup of tea
Best for: Pumice stones are best for soil that needs consistent moisture levels, proper drainage, airflow, and nutrients.
3. Rubber Mulch
Photo: MrIncredible / iStock / Getty Images
Rubber mulch is usually a more expensive option, starting at $7 per bag, compared to wood mulch, which goes for as little as $2 per bag. Rubber mulch is an excellent choice for people who want to reduce their carbon footprint because it’s made from recycled tires. Even in high winds and storms, it stays in place because of its weight, so it doesn’t need replacing as other mulch alternatives do.
Pros:
Long-lasting
Doesn’t absorb water, which can prevent waterlogging
Durable against wind and heavy rain
Suppresses weed growth
Good insulator
Doesn’t attract most pests
Made from recycled material
Low maintenance
Cons:
Pricey
Can contaminate soil due to heavy metals like aluminum, cadmium, and zinc leaching into the soil when the rubber starts breaking down
Can release VOC, causing health problems, according to the American Lung Association
Doesn’t provide nutrients to the soil
Can attract Asian co*ckroaches
Vulnerable to brown rot and white rot fungus
Can harm plants
Best for: Rubber mulch provides insulation for your plants, is low maintenance, and made from recycled material.
4. Shredded Newspaper
Shredded newspaper that only has black ink is an inexpensive and eco-friendly choice for an alternative mulch. If you choose to use newspaper, make sure you don’t include any inserts or ads when you shred it, as those pages have chemicals such as lead in the ink. Shredded newspaper may not be the most attractive option, but if you like the idea of using something recyclable, you can put a layer of another type of mulch over the top of the shredded paper to make it look nicer.
Pros:
Made from biodegradable material
Budget-friendly
Good weed barrier
Conserves moisture
Provides insulation against extreme weather conditions
Easy installation
Cons:
Can only use newspapers with black ink to avoid chemicals leaching into the soil
Not the most attractive; may require another mulch to give your landscape a nicer look
Easily blown away in the wind; may need to be weighed down
May need to be replenished frequently since it decomposes in around six weeks
Doesn’t give the soil any nutrients
Not recommended to use for plants you eat because of its ink
Best for: Shredded newspaper might be right for you if you’re looking for an inexpensive and recyclable mulch alternative for plants you don’t intend to eat.
5. Leaf Mulch
Photo: Larisa Stefanuyk / iStock / Getty Images
Leaves make excellent mulch (it’s even better if you have trees, which makes it free), but you must look for any blight or ailment that could harm the soil and plants. Use a leaf shredder so the leaves have the right texture and size to allow plants to grow. Whole leaves will keep moisture from penetrating the ground. If you don’t have a leaf blower, a lawn mower will do.
Pros:
Budget-friendly or free if you own trees
Organic mulch
Lightweight
Easy to use
Provides the soil with nutrients when it decomposes
Heat insulator
Thick layers of leaves can inhibit weed growth
Allows air and water to flow through to the soil
Cons:
May leach chemicals into the soil if the leaves were sprayed with pesticides
May need to be replaced more than once a year
Whole leaves can prevent air and water from reaching the soil
Leaves that aren’t thick enough can allow weeds to grow
Not the best choice for front yard landscaping
Not durable against strong winds
Best for: Leaves are a great alternative when you’re looking for a wallet-friendly organic mulch material that’s easy to use and can help you get rid of all of your leaves while benefiting your soil.
6. Ground Cover (aka Green Mulch)
You can keep weeds at bay and use less water by choosing a low-growing ground cover as a mulch alternative. Living plants will add nutrients to your soil to help your other plants grow and thrive. Ground cover mulch may need to be maintained and trimmed to prevent it from creeping into other areas of your yard. A local landscaper can help you determine which plants would be best for your garden.
Low-growth plants that work well as ground cover include:
Clover
Creeping thyme
Chamomile
Alyssum
Creeping Jenny
Lamium
Pros:
Suppresses weeds
Retains moisture
Organic material
Prevents soil erosion
Long-lasting
Improves soil quality
Attracts beneficial insects
Cons:
Competes with main plants for water and nutrients
Can attract unwanted animals and bugs
Can hinder the main plant’s growth
Can take over an area if the growth isn’t controlled
Best for: Green mulch might be your go-to if you want to improve your soil quality and if it and your main crops can live in harmony.
7. Grass Clipping
Photo: JulPo / Getty Images
Grass clippings from mowing your lawn make a great DIY mulch for your garden. Not to mention, it’s free if you have a yard with grass. Place the green clippings closest to the soil to allow for nitrogen absorption, and put brown grass on top. Grass clippings are also very economical and environmentally friendly. But one caveat: Do not use grass clippings treated with fertilizer or pesticides because the chemicals can damage your plants or interfere with their growth.
Pros:
Organic mulch
Easy on your wallet
Great heat insulator
Releases nitrogen, which helps your plants grow
Hinders weed growth
Provides nutrients to the soil when it decomposes
Cons:
Will need to replace it at least once a year
Can potentially harm your plant’s growth
Not attractive for landscaping
Can become matted if applied too thick, preventing water and air from reaching the soil
Generates heat when it decomposes
Best for: Grass clippings are best for homeowners who have tons of it, want to save on costs, and want to give added nutrients like nitrogen to their soil.
8. Straw
For a farm-friendly feeling to your garden, nothing beats straw. A convenient and moisture-friendly natural product, straw is a good choice for an alternative to mulch. Straw is perfect for vegetable gardens since it can help keep your vegetables and fruits off the ground (no more mushy strawberries?). One caveat: The biggest drawback with straw is that little critters love to eat it. If you live in a place with lots of rabbits, rodents, or other small animals, straw may not be the best choice for you.
Pros:
Retains moisture in the soil
Thick layers can suppress weed growth
Gives nutrients to the soil
Inexpensive
Easy to use
Organic mulch
Unique, rustic look
Keeps your veggies and fruits off the ground
Cons:
Decomposes within weeks, so you’ll need to reapply it more than once a year
Could harm your plants if it was sprayed with pesticides or herbicides
Can create the perfect environment for weeds to grow when it starts to decompose
May not fit your landscape’s style
May have weed seeds, which can make your weed problem worse
Can attract unwanted critters or animals that eat straw
Best for: Vegetable gardens in wet climates or large areas can benefit from using straw as a mulch alternative, though you may need to contact your local mulch delivery company to see how much you’ll need.
9. Cold Compost
Photo: JulPo / Getty Images
There may be nothing more healthy and nutrient-rich for your garden than compost. According to Oregon State University, it takes time to build up a good cold compost, which can include vegetable peels, fruit skins, eggshells, coffee grounds, and other organic materials from your home and garden refuse. But the wait is worth it. Some people find the smell of compost unappealing, but its organic matter, giving it that pungent aroma and making it oh-so-good for your garden.
Pros:
Organic mulch
Budget-friendly
Attracts pollinators
Helps retain moisture
Can improve soil quality
Offers tons of nutrients to the soil
Lets you recycle your food scraps
Provides insulation for your plant’s roots
Can help minimize the damage from erosion
Cons:
Can attract pests
Can be heavy and not easy to use
Creates more heat when it decomposes
Homemade compost can take time to make
Doesn’t smell pleasant when it’s decomposing
Not the most effective option for suppressing weed growth
Decomposes quickly so needs to be replaced at least once a year
Can be harmful to plants if it has high levels of nitrogen
Too much organic matter can cause nutrient imbalances, harming your plants
Best for: Compost shines in areas that get little to moderate rain when you need to improve your soil quality, and you can create tons of compost for your garden.
10. Cardboard
Cardboard can be an effective way to suppress weed growth (and get rid of those spare boxes you have). Like with newspapers, opt for cardboard boxes with only black ink or none at all to prevent chemicals from leaching into the soil. Also, avoid boxes with waxy coatings since those can take time to decompose and hinder water from reaching your soil.
Pros:
Inexpensive
Helps retain moisture
Suppresses weed growth
Releases nutrients into the soil when it decomposes
Cons:
Not aesthetically pleasing
Not durable against strong winds
Can prevent water and air from reaching the soil
Chemicals from the cardboard can leach into the soil
Not the best option if you need to improve soil quality
Not recommended for your vegetable garden due to ink
Best for: Cardboard is best for flower beds and walking rows in your garden.
11. Cocoa Bean Hull
Cocoa bean hulls are the discarded shells of cocoa beans that have been roasted, which separates them from the shell. One thing that makes this alternative a must is its delicious-smelling aroma. However, while it smells nice and can help improve the soil’s texture, cocoa bean mulch is toxic to dogs, according to the National Capital Poison Center, since it contains theobromine and caffeine.
Pros:
Organic mulch
Retains moisture
Decomposes slowly
Improves soil quality
Smells like chocolate
Aesthetically pleasing
Suppresses weed growth
Provides nutrients to the soil
Cons:
Pricey
Toxic to dogs
Can attract pests if too wet
May develop mold in hot and humid climates
Best for: Cocoa bean hulls are best for homeowners without dogs, who prefer organic mulch that decomposes slowly and is easy on the eyes.
Sharon Greenthal contributed to this piece.
