Loose Mulch and Membrane Mulches for Weed Control

The tables below provide more specific detail on the uses of loose and membrane mulches


Loose Mulches
Name Contents Use
Composted Bark Chips Decorative dark-colored mulch For perennial beds-Biodegradable
Wood Chips Forest waste or chipped scrap wood
Available in stained colors
For perennial beds- Biodegradable
Coarse Grade Municipal
Compost
Recycled green waste- quicker
to degrade than bark
For perennial beds- Biodegradable
Shredded Prunings Home produced or from tree service
compost for a few months before use
or use fresh on paths
For perennial beds- Biodegradable
Straw and Hay Informal appearance- last for one season
must be 6" or 15cm thick to be effective
can produce its own seedlings. does feed
plants and soil
For annual beds- Biodegradable
Gravel and Slate Waste Good around plants that like hot,dry
conditions
For perennial beds
Leaf Mold A homemade short term mulch best
used over a membrane
For annual beds- Biodegradable
Buckwheat Hulls Very light and fluffy, top with heavier
mulch in windy locations
For annual beds- Biodegradable

Cocoa Shells
Waste product of the chocolate industry
Apply a layer 2in or 5cm thick
and moisten when first applied. High in
nitrogen
For annual beds

Membrane Mulches

Membrane Mulches for Weed Control
Newspaper No cost option for a single season
Lay at least 8 sheets thick and cover
with grass clippings or leaf mold
For annual beds- Biodegradable
Cardboard No cost option for a single season
lay on soil overlapping to prevent weeds
Keep in place with straw or hay
For annual beds- Biodegradable
Paper Mulch Sturdy paper in a roll for use on an
annual vegetable bed
For annual beds- Biodegradable
Landscape Fabric Long term weed control -  cover with
a loose mulch of your choice
For perennial beds
Woven Plastic Medium term weed control- cover with
a loose mulch of your choice
For perennial beds
Black Plastic Sheeting
(400-800) gauge
Suitable for ground clearing mulch only
Do not cover ground for more than a few months
without allowing the air and water to move into the
soil.
For ground clearing only


Tree Mulch Mat - 24" Diameter