10/16/2026
But remember to avoid "volcano" mulching around your trees! Unfortunately, it's common to see mulch piled up against tree trunks. This is one of the worst things you can do to a tree, and landscapers should know better!
Mulch isn’t just garden decoration—it completely shapes the world underground.
What you put on top dictates whether your soil thrives or struggles:
🪵 Wood Chips: Excellent moisture retention that feeds beneficial fungi and microbes as it breaks down. Best for trees, shrubs, and perennial beds.
🌾 Straw: Clean, medium moisture retention that keeps soil cool without compacting. Ideal for vegetable gardens and strawberries.
đźš« Black Plastic Sheeting: While it traps moisture, it traps extreme heat, effectively baking beneficial soil life. Avoid using it in living garden beds!
🍂 Shredded Leaves: The unsung garden hero. High moisture retention, free, and the absolute best natural feast for earthworms and soil biology.
🪨 Gravel / Stone: Zero moisture retention and radiates heat, sterilising the immediate surface. Great for drainage pathways and xeriscapes, but not for building plant health.
Feed the soil, and the soil will feed your plants. 🌿
What’s currently covering your garden beds? Share your go-to mulch in the comments! 👇
