April 1, 2022
Mulch is one of the most impactful things you can add to a landscape — it suppresses weeds, retains moisture, regulates soil temperature, and just plain looks great. But not all mulch performs the same, and picking the right type for your situation makes a real difference.
This is the workhorse of mulches and the most popular choice for residential properties. It breaks down slowly, stays in place well, and gives beds a clean, natural appearance. It's our most commonly installed mulch at JNE Lawn Care. Double-shredded means a finer, more uniform texture that packs together nicely.
If you want a bold, maintained look, dyed mulch delivers. Black dyed mulch in particular creates a sharp contrast against green plants and makes beds pop. The color does fade over the season, but a fresh application in spring resets the look. Just make sure you're getting quality dyed mulch — cheaper versions use low-quality wood that breaks down too fast.
Great for pathways, play areas, and around trees, but not ideal for flower beds. Coarse wood chips mat together over time, can create nitrogen depletion in the soil as they break down, and don't provide the finished look most homeowners want in planting beds.
The standard recommendation is 2 to 3 inches. Less than 2 inches doesn't provide adequate weed suppression or moisture retention. More than 3 inches can prevent water from reaching plant roots and can promote rot at stem bases if mulch piles up against plants.
No matter what type of mulch you choose, keep it pulled back from tree trunks, shrub bases, and perennial stems. "Mulch volcanoes" — those mounds of mulch piled against tree trunks — cause rot, disease, and pest problems. Flat, even coverage with a small gap around plant bases is always the right approach.
JNE Lawn Care installs mulch for residential and commercial properties throughout the season. We can also help you choose the right product for your specific landscape.
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