{"id":6673,"date":"2021-11-28T20:22:13","date_gmt":"2021-11-28T20:22:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=6673"},"modified":"2025-11-18T19:40:07","modified_gmt":"2025-11-18T19:40:07","slug":"what-is-mulch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-mulch\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Mulch?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you\u2019re working with a vegetable patch, a flower bed, or a foundation planting, a layer of mulch can do wonders for your soil and plants.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mulch keeps your plants hydrated, blocks annoying weeds, and regulates soil temperature to protect them from extreme heat and cold. Some types even repel pests or stop erosion.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s also one of the easiest to pull off and one of the most beneficial for the health of your plants and the appearance of your yard. And if you don\u2019t feel like lugging bags of mulch yourself, you can get a landscaper or <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/gardener\">gardening pro<\/a> to do it cheap.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-why-use-mulch\"><span id=\"why-use-mulch\">Why use mulch?<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Shredded-mulch.jpg\" alt=\"Close view of natural wood mulch covering the ground.\" class=\"wp-image-22991\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Shredded-mulch.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Shredded-mulch-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Shredded-mulch-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Shredded-mulch-610x406.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Natural wood mulch improves soil health and is an attractive addition to landscaping beds. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/decorative-bark-mulch-mulching-decorative-wood-chips-natural-pine-mulch-brown-colored-for-protecting-plants-on-flower-beds-and-lawns-edges-of-the-photo-are-blurred-medium-size\/216796427?prev_url=detail&amp;asset_id=216796427\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Andrii Chagovets<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mulch can benefit your yard in a few key ways:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Prevents weeds:<\/strong> It blocks sunlight, smothering weed seeds before they sprout. Aaron Steil, consumer horticulture extension specialist at Iowa State University, says \u201cmost mulches are excellent at blocking weed growth when put at the correct depth.\u201d For finer mulches, 1-2 inches will suffice, while for coarser mulches, add 2-4 inches.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li><strong>Regulates soil temperature:<\/strong> It cools the soil in summer and warms it in winter, shielding plant roots from harsh temperatures.<\/li>    <li><strong>Retains moisture in the soil:<\/strong> It slows evaporation and helps the soil stay hydrated during dry spells.<\/li>    <li><strong>Controls erosion:<\/strong> Heavy rain or wind can wash away topsoil and valuable nutrients. Mulch keeps everything in place, especially on sloped or exposed areas.<\/li>    <li><strong>Improves soil health:<\/strong> Organic mulches like bark, straw, or shredded leaves break down and feed the soil. They also attract beneficial microbes and loosen the soil, allowing roots to grow comfortably.<\/li>    <li><strong>Provides visual appeal:<\/strong> Flower beds, tree rings, and paths get a clean, finished look. It adds contrast and makes plants pop.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read related<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/mulch-benefits\/\">The Benefits of Mulch<\/a><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-types-of-mulch\"><span id=\"types-of-mulch\">Types of mulch<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mulch can be a mix of organic and inorganic materials. If it comes from nature and breaks down, it\u2019s organic. Inorganic mulch is either man-made or consists of stone.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-organic-vs-inorganic-mulch\"><span id=\"organic-vs-inorganic-mulch\">Organic vs. inorganic mulch<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Knowing the difference between <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/organic-or-inorganic-mulch\/\">organic and inorganic mulch<\/a> can help you make the best choice for your yard. Here\u2019s a quick comparison of the two:<strong><br><\/strong><\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Feature<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Organic mulch<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Inorganic mulch<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Made from<\/strong><\/td><td>Bark, leaves, straw, grass clippings, compost, pine needles<\/td><td>Gravel, stones, rubber, landscape fabric<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Decompose?<\/strong><\/td><td>Yes \u2013 breaks down over time<\/td><td>No \u2013 stays intact<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Nutrient boost<\/strong><\/td><td>Feeds soil with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium<\/td><td>No<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Soil health<\/strong><\/td><td>Improves structure and&nbsp; moisture retention<\/td><td>Helps prevent erosion<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Maintenance<\/strong><\/td><td>Needs replenishing regularly<\/td><td>Long-lasting, rarely needs replacing<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Best for<\/strong><\/td><td>Vegetable gardens, flower beds, anywhere soil matters<\/td><td>Decorative beds, xeriscapes, playgrounds, pathways<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-organic-mulches\"><span id=\"organic-mulches\">Organic mulches<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/mulching.jpg\" alt=\"Gardener wearing green gloves spreading organic mulch around plants in a garden to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil.\" class=\"wp-image-42302\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/mulching.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/mulching-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/mulching-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/mulching-610x406.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Organic wood mulch feeds plant roots as it breaks down over time. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/mulching-garden-conifer-bed-with-pine-tree-bark-mulch\/334188833\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ronstik<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Organic mulches are nature\u2019s slow-release fertilizer. They break down over time, feeding your soil and cutting down on weeds and watering. The best types for your yard include:<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><br><\/strong><strong>Shredded bark or wood chips<\/strong>: They look clean, last 1-3 years, and do a great job of suppressing weeds. They\u2019re especially great around perennial garden beds where you don\u2019t need to dig often.<strong><br><\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Compost<\/strong>: Rich in nutrients, lightweight, and full of organic matter that encourages microbial activity and healthy root growth.<strong><br><\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pine needles (pine straw)<\/strong>: Lightweight and easily spread by hand, forming a soft, interlocking mat that stays in place, even on slopes. They create slightly acidic conditions in the soil, great for acid-loving plants like blueberries and rhododendrons.<strong><br><\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Grass clippings<\/strong>:<strong> <\/strong>Quick, no-cost way to add nitrogen back into your soil. Use them in thin layers (1-2 inches max), or they can mat together, smell funky, and block water from soaking in. Skip clippings treated with herbicides or pesticides to avoid plant harm.<strong><br><\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Leaves<\/strong>: They\u2019re free come fall. Rake them up, shred them with a mower or leaf shredder, and you\u2019ve got mulch that breaks down quickly, keeps your soil warm, and gives your garden a mineral boost.<strong><br><\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Straw or hay<\/strong>: Keeps soil cool, locks in moisture, and keeps your fruit off the wet ground so there\u2019s less rot and fewer soil-borne diseases. Pick clean straw over hay, which can contain weed seeds.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read related<\/strong>:&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-organic-mulch\/\">10 Best Organic Mulches for Your Yard<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/ways-to-use-grass-clippings-as-mulch\/\">Ways To Use Grass Clippings as Mulch<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/bagging-vs-mulching-grass-clippings\/\">Bagging vs. Mulching Grass Clippings<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/better-to-rake-or-mulch-leaves\/\">Is it Better to Rake or Mulch Leaves?<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-inorganic-mulches\"><span id=\"inorganic-mulches\">Inorganic mulches<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"799\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/rsz_16186208454_d95bceab8a_c.jpg\" alt=\"xeriscaping with drought-tolerant plants in small pebble gravel\" class=\"wp-image-7194\" style=\"width:799px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/rsz_16186208454_d95bceab8a_c.jpg 799w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/rsz_16186208454_d95bceab8a_c-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/rsz_16186208454_d95bceab8a_c-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/rsz_16186208454_d95bceab8a_c-610x407.jpg 610w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/rsz_16186208454_d95bceab8a_c-390x260.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 799px) 100vw, 799px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gravel is great for preventing soil erosion. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/leighklotz\/16186208454\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">leighklotz<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Inorganic mulches like these don\u2019t break down, but they provide other benefits.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Gravel or river rock:<\/strong> Rock doesn\u2019t budge, and it keeps weeds away, especially when paired with landscape fabric. It\u2019s great for paths and drought-friendly yards but gets hot and doesn\u2019t help your soil like organic mulch.<br><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Rubber mulch:<\/strong> This bouncy, tough material comes from recycled tires and doesn\u2019t decompose. It\u2019s great for high-traffic zones like walkways, but not for garden beds, as it doesn\u2019t feed the soil and can get hotter than most plants like.<br><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Landscape fabric (under rocks):<\/strong> Perfect for structure and stability, such as on hills or pathways. It prevents weeds, but it can also block organic matter from entering the soil, causing compaction over time.<br><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Plastic sheeting:<\/strong> It holds heat, keeps the soil moist, and blocks weeds. It also warms the soil early, so you can plant tomatoes, peppers, or melons sooner. The downside is that it doesn\u2019t let air or water through, so roots can overheat.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read related<\/strong>:&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/types-of-inorganic-mulch\/\">5 Types of Inorganic Mulch<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/the-pros-and-cons-of-rubber-mulch\/\">The Pros and Cons of Rubber Mulch<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-care-types-of-landscape-fabrics-and-how-to-use-them\/\">Different Types of Landscape Fabrics and How to Use Them<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-where-can-you-use-mulch-in-your-yard\"><span id=\"where-can-you-use-mulch-in-your-yard\">Where can you use mulch in your yard?<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mulch is super versatile. Here are some popular places to use it:<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Area<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Best mulch<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Low-maintenance landscaping areas<\/td><td>Rubber, gravel, rocks<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Vegetable gardens<\/td><td>Straw, compost, coco coir, wood chips<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Flower beds<\/td><td>Cocoa hulls*, shredded leaves, colored bark for contrast<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Slopes<\/td><td>Pine straw or shredded mulch<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tree rings<\/td><td>Wood chips, shredded bark, or bark nuggets<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Pathways or play areas<\/td><td>Rubber mulch or gravel<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>*Avoid cocoa hulls if you have pets. They\u2019re toxic to dogs.<\/em><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read related<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-mulch-around-trees\/\">How to Mulch Around Trees<\/a><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-when-do-you-apply-mulch\"><span id=\"when-do-you-apply-mulch\">When do you apply mulch?<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/5091067117_85249ace5c_c.jpg\" alt=\"Mulched garden bed bordered with stone edging, featuring young plants spaced throughout, set within a shaded yard area surrounded by mature trees.\" class=\"wp-image-22858\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/5091067117_85249ace5c_c.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/5091067117_85249ace5c_c-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/5091067117_85249ace5c_c-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/5091067117_85249ace5c_c-610x343.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mulched garden bed. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/paparutzi\/5091067117\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">christina rutz<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To get the most out of mulch, it all comes down to timing and what your goals are. Here\u2019s when you should or can mulch:<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-spring-mulching\"><span id=\"spring-mulching\">Spring mulching<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Best for:<\/strong> Suppressing weeds, retaining moisture, and giving your plants a strong start.<br><strong>When:<\/strong> Mid- to late spring after the soil has had time to warm up (usually when temps stay above 50\u00b0F). For many regions, that\u2019s April to May.<br><strong>Thickness<\/strong>: 2 to 4 inches of mulch around flower beds, shrubs, and newly planted trees.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Try not to rush spring application; laying the mulch too early can insulate cold soil, which delays plant growth and seed germination. Instead, wait until the ground is thawed and daytime temperatures hover around 50\u00b0F for a week or more.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-fall-mulching\"><span id=\"fall-mulching\">Fall mulching<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Best for:<\/strong> Insulating roots and soil, preventing winter heaving (the freeze-thaw soil cycle that literally pushes plants out of the ground), blocking winter weeds, and feeding the soil all winter.<br><strong>When:<\/strong> Late fall, after the first frost but before the ground freezes (typically October to November).<br><strong>Thickness<\/strong>: 2 &#8211; 3 inches around perennials, roses, bulbs, and young trees.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fall mulching is more about protection than performance. A good layer of straw or shredded leaves insulates the soil and shelters <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/beneficial-insects\/\">beneficial insects<\/a>, like bumble bees that hibernate in the soil or under debris.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-need-a-hand-with-mulch-this-season\"><span id=\"need-a-hand-with-mulch-this-season\">Need a hand with mulch this season?<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re torn between bark and stone or just don\u2019t feel like dealing with a wheelbarrow this weekend, Lawn Love has got you covered.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019ll connect you with a local <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/gardener\">gardening pro<\/a> who knows the ins and outs of mulching, from selecting the best type for your climate to applying it for lasting results.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-f63d0579-5b9b-4be0-bca9-648ea3364961\" data-mobilecollapse=\"false\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"true\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; border-top-left-radius: 8px; border-top-right-radius: 8px; border-bottom-left-radius: 8px; border-bottom-right-radius: 8px; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-f63d0579-5b9b-4be0-bca9-648ea3364961\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-f63d0579-5b9b-4be0-bca9-648ea3364961\" style=\"color: #000000; \">Sources:<\/p> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-f63d0579-5b9b-4be0-bca9-648ea3364961\">  <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hort.iastate.edu\/directory\/aaron-steil\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Aaron Steil<\/a>, consumer horticulture extension specialist at Iowa State University. Ames, IA. Personal email interview.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/homegarden.cahnr.uconn.edu\/factsheets\/mulch-basics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What Is Mulch?<\/a>\u201d Home and Garden Education Center. University of Connecticut.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.usda.gov\/about-usda\/general-information\/initiatives-and-highlighted-programs\/peoples-garden\/soil-health\/mulch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mulch<\/a>.\u201d U.S. Department of Agriculture.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ndsu.edu\/agriculture\/extension\/extension-topics\/gardening-and-horticulture\/trees-and-shrubs\/choosing-mulch-trees-and\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Choosing Mulch For Trees and Shrubs<\/a>.\u201d By Tom Kalb, extension horticulturist. North Dakota State University.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.usu.edu\/yardandgarden\/research\/water-wise-landscaping-mulch.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Water-Wise Landscaping: Mulch<\/a>.\u201d By Heidi A. Kratsch, ornamental horticulture specialist. Utah State University Extension.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/xerces.org\/blog\/where-do-pollinators-go-in-winter#:~:text=Yes%2C%20we%20probably%20sound%20like,likely%20already%20have%20some%20nearby!\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Where Do Pollinators Go In The Winter?<\/a>\u201d By Sara Morris. The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.<\/li> <\/ul>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>   <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Image: Pine tree bark mulch. Image Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/mulching-flowerbed-with-pine-tree-bark-mulch\/334163165\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ronstik<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Mulch is any organic or inorganic material that you can lay on the ground to improve soil health, retain moisture for your plants, and regulate soil temperature. This includes wood chips, bark, grass clippings, rubber mulch, and gravel.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":98,"featured_media":42901,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[298],"tags":[222],"class_list":["post-6673","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-landscaping","tag-landscaping"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/holding-mulch.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Andie Io\u00f3","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/andie-ioo\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6673","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/98"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6673"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6673\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":42952,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6673\/revisions\/42952"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/42901"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6673"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6673"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6673"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}