Before buying mulch for your garden, it is crucial to research the product and find out the benefits it offers your garden. Using mulch in your garden can help your plants grow better.
Eco-Friendly Options
There are many eco-friendly alternatives to wood mulch. For example, 100% recycled rubber mulch is a sustainable alternative to wood mulch. It insulates the soil from heat and cold and is nonporous, reducing fungus and weed growth. Plus, it does not need to be replaced as often as wood mulch.
Shredded bark is another popular option and comes from various sources, including cedar trees. It breaks down relatively slowly, making it an excellent choice for gardens on slopes. Shredded wood chips are also biodegradable, which is great for wet and sloping areas. If you’re looking for something more durable, you can use composted newspaper instead of mulching with wood chips.
Natural Alternatives
If you’re tired of spending money on mulch, you can use natural alternatives. Bark and wood chips are great substitutes for mulch. Not only do they nourish the soil, but they also repel insects. However, they are expensive and require routine buying and re-installation. Pine needles and leaves are also excellent mulch alternatives. The leaves will keep your flower bed a nice tan color and can be harvested from your yard.
You can buy wood chips and bark from a gardening store or online store which offers mulch delivery Cincinnati for those on a budget. These chips vary in color, depending on what kind of tree you purchase. However, they won’t last very long. They also decompose quickly, making them ineffective for vegetable gardens. Nonetheless, they’re eco-friendly, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly.
Termite-Friendly Options
There are several ‘termite-friendly’ mulch options available if you have a lawn or a garden. These materials contain food-grade diatomaceous earth, which can kill termites without harming plants, pets, or children. Boric acid is another natural termite killer that is both environmentally friendly and effective. It can be used in high quantities without affecting the environment. You can also use nematodes, which kill termites in mulch.
Termites will only invade a property if there is a source of moisture in the soil. Termites like wood and mulch offer them shelter and cellulose. Termites can attack wooden materials and homes, but you can limit the damage by using ‘termite-friendly’ mulch around your property.
Cost Of Mulch
The price of mulch depends on the type of mulch you want. There are two basic types: organic and inorganic. Organic mulch is made from natural ingredients, such as wood chips, and it’s free of chemicals and other components that can leach into the soil. The price of organic mulch ranges from $30 to $150 per cubic yard, while the cost of inorganic mulch can range anywhere from $60 to $300 per cubic yard. Both types are beneficial for the soil and plants, but they cost more than organic mulch.
If you’re planning to install mulch, getting an estimate is best before beginning your project. Many manufacturers offer free estimates for their products. Mulch costs vary between companies due to their different overheads. When buying mulch, try to buy it off-season when the prices are lower. You can save as much as 7-15% by spreading it yourself. Otherwise, you can hire local people to spread the mulch for you.
