Both mulch and wood chips offer similar benefits in the world of landscaping and gardening. Gardeners will utilize organic and in-organic materials to help grow plants and protect them from any harmful agents. Let’s take a look at the similarities and differences between mulch and wood chips.
Mulch
Mulch embodies any material situated on the soil’s surface surrounding plants. Typically organic, mulch helps to decrease water evaporation, balances soil moisture, prevents weed growth and manages temperature, erosion and the compaction of soil. Materials used in mulch can vary significantly and include both organic and inorganic materials. Organic mulches boost microorganism activity in soil, benefitting both soil quality and compaction.
Types Of Mulch
There are many types of mulch available to purchase. Let’s take a look at some of the many types below!
Organic Mulch
This type of mulch is comprised of the following materials:
- Hay or straw
- Grass clippings
- Bark and needles from pine trees
- Moldy leaves
- Shredded hardwood materials
- Shells from pecans
- Compost
- Wood chips
- Coffee grounds
In-Organic Mulch
In-organic mulch is another very popular option for Arizona gardens. It is comprised of:
- Gravel or crushed stone
- Plastic sheets
- Pebbles
- Rubber
- Man-made pine needles
- Woven ground cloth
Wood Chips As Mulch
Wood chips typically represent one alternative for gardeners and landscapers looking for something close to mulch. The nature of the wood chip makes it ideal for creating some pleasing paths between gardens and throughout the yard.
Different types of mulch offer numerous benefits and drawbacks in Arizona landscaping. Wood chip mulch, which is comprised of small pieces of bark or wood, proves beneficial when used for shrubs, perennials and trees. It also heightens survival percentages in smaller trees in areas experiencing heavy rainfall. The professionals recommend applying two to four inches of wood chip mulch in a diameter of three to six feet around the base of either the tree or plant.
The simplest explanation of wood chips is they are the by-product of wood chipping. These wood chips have many different uses, such as being used as bio-fuel materials for burning or as mulch.
If you’re ready to choose and have a pomegranate tree planted at your Mesa home contact the knowledgeable and helpful folks at your local A&P Nursery.
