Mulch is a protective layer of material that is spread around plants, trees, and bushes in the yard and garden. It can be made of either organic or inorganic materials.
Major Benefits of Mulch:
- protection from heat, cold, and drought conditions
- reduced watering frequency (water conservation equals lower water bills!)
- better weed control
- less soil erosion
- enriched soil from organic mulch decay
Organic Mulch Materials:
- chipped brush, tree limbs, bark
- grass clippings, straw, leaves, pine needles
- sawdust
- newspaper
Inorganic Mulch Materials:
- rocks and gravel
- plastic sheeting
- rubber pellets
Want more information?
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
