Mulch Choices Guide - Pick the Right Mulch for North Texas

The right mulch conserves water, suppresses weeds, and improves soil. Here's how to choose.

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  Reduces evaporation up to 70%

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  Blocks weed seed germination

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  Regulates soil temperature

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  Improves soil (organic types)

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  Professional appearance

Shredded Hardwood

Most popular choice

Pros: Affordable ($25-35/yard), stays in place, natural look

Cons: Fades to gray, can tie up nitrogen temporarily

Best for: General landscape beds, slopes

Dyed Hardwood

Pros: Color lasts 1-2 seasons, same benefits as natural

Cons: More expensive ($35-50/yard), dye can leach when wet

Best for: High-visibility areas, color matching

Cedar/Cypress

Pros: Pleasant scent, insect-repellent, lasts 2-3 years

Cons: More expensive ($45-60/yard), lighter weight

Best for: Around vegetables, play areas

Pine Bark

Pros: Attractive red color, acidifies soil slightly

Cons: Floats in heavy rain, more expensive

Best for: Acid-loving plants (azaleas, blueberries)

Compost

Pros: Adds nutrients directly, improves soil

Cons: Breaks down quickly, needs annual replacement

Best for: Vegetable gardens, soil improvement priority

Rock/Stone

Pros: Permanent, no replacement

Cons: Very hot in summer, doesn't improve soil

Best for: Xeriscape, modern designs, cacti

Rubber Mulch

Pros: Permanent (10+ years), good cushioning

Cons: Expensive, gets hot, can smell

Best for: Playgrounds only

Depth: 2-3 inches around perennials, 3-4 inches around trees/shrubs

Critical Rules:

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  Keep 3-6 inches away from trunks/stems

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  Never create "mulch volcanos"

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  Edge beds first

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  Remove weeds before mulching

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  Water after application

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  Mulch volcano against trees (kills trees)

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  Too much depth (suffocates roots)

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  Against house foundation (moisture + termites)

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  Fresh wood chips (ties up nitrogen)

Heat: Light-colored mulches stay cooler

Storms: Shredded hardwood resists washing best

Soil: Pine products help acidify our alkaline soil

Professional mulch installation? Call (940) 435-4727 or get your quote.