Its that time of year again...Time to replace the mulch in all those beautiful flower beds that adorn your landscape.
We have been getting tons of requests for pine straw...and then the spouse walks out to say, "But don't you think wood mulch would look better?!!" Can I get a witness? Everybody has their own preference when it comes to what to add as that finishing layer to the beds but is there really a difference? Is there one product that lasts longer, is better for your plants, or adds more to the soil?
We could go on for days about all the different types of mulch that exists. But, for the sake of time, I'm going to focus on the two we are asked about the most: pine straw vs. wood mulch...the great debate!
Honestly, neither one is a bad option but they both can play very different roles for your landscape so its important to have some knowledge about your landscape design to make the best choice to keep your plants happy, happy, happy! Being from Georgia, we know ALL about pine straw. Around here, who really needs to buy it?!! Just send your minions out to the backyard with some rakes and a day's worth of energy and VIOLA! Pine straw is great for providing insulation from temperature fluctuation. Even with our mild Georgia climate, pine straw helps protect the soil from the changes from extreme heat to the bitter cold. Because of its interlocking powers (that sounds like a bad superhero), it will not move in heavy rains or strong winds which means your investment won't conveniently find its way to your neighbors yard a mile down the street. It also works well on hills and slopes because these interlocking powers prevent a lot of movement.
The biggest benefit is weed control. The pine straw layer blocks out light and keeps those weeds from making an appearance. Many plants thrive when surrounded by pine straw. Azaleas, camellias, hostas, hydrangea, magnolia, geranium, strawberries, coleus, and rhododendrons are just a few that thrive when surrounded by pine straw. Also, there is no fear of getting too close to your plants. Pine straw is as harmless to your plants as water.
Annual installation of pine straw is necessary to protect plants and add to soil but for decorative reasons, we suggest adding a fresh layer twice a year.
Wood Mulch works a little bit differently than pine straw. It, too, acts as a weed barrier by blocking light and suffocating weeds and it helps with moisture retention in the soil around your plants, but it comes in two forms: treated and untreated.
Untreated wood mulch, think the free mulch you see advertised occasionally, can actually bring weeds and disease into your flower beds. It is just a miss of all the leftover, kinda the hot dogs of landscaping, so you can never be sure what you are getting. Treated wood mulch as been through a heat process to kill weeds, insects, and diseases. For this reason, it is more expensive.
No matter what type of wood mulch you choose, it is all known to wash away easily. Also with wood mulch, you have to be careful when it is being added to beds. If you use more than a 3 inch layer, you risk suffocating your plants. Also, the nitrate in the wood mulch can be detrimental if it is too close to your plants so don't install it all the want to the root ball. Leave a little room for your plant to breathe.
If you're looking for a cost effective, clean, and beautiful option, we suggest pine straw. You are definitely getting the most for your investment. We love the look of wood mulch but it does require more upkeep and money to maintain that look.
For more information about the different types of mulch and how to pick the right one for your landscape design, check out this video.
http://www.bhg.com/videos/m/93623880/how-to-pick-the-right-mulch.htm
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