Best Mulch of 2025

Steven Taylor Avatar
Steven Taylor
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2025

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Mulch is a popular landscaping material that comes in a variety of materials, such as wood chips, bark, and leaves. It is used to cover the soil around plants, trees, and shrubs to help retain moisture, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature. Mulch also adds a decorative touch to outdoor spaces and can improve the overall health of plants by providing nutrients as it decomposes. With its many benefits, mulch is a must-have for any gardener or landscaper looking to enhance the appearance and health of their outdoor space.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

SuperMoss Coco Mulch (23261) Cover #TOP 1
SuperMoss Coco Mulch (23261)
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Scotts Deep Forest Brown Mulch Cover #TOP 2
Scotts Deep Forest Brown Mulch
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Wood Smith USA Cedar Shavings Cover #TOP 3
Wood Smith USA Cedar Shavings
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Mulch

SuperMoss Coco Mulch (23261)

7 59834 23261 2
Natural Brown
SuperMoss Coco Mulch (23261) Cover
SuperMoss (23261) Coco Mulch, 200 in3, Natural Brown

SuperMoss Mulch is a natural brown mulch that promotes plant growth by enhancing root development, leading to more abundant blooms and fruits. Unlike peat soils, it remains soft, ensuring proper water absorption for your plants. This long-lasting mulch is easy to store and is free from soil-borne diseases, providing a convenient and safe option for your gardening needs.

What We Like
Enhances root development
Promotes plant growth
Long-lasting
#TOP 2

Scotts Deep Forest Brown Mulch

88659750
Scotts Deep Forest Brown Mulch Cover
Scotts Deep Forest Brown Garden Mulch - 42.5 L

Scotts Garden Mulch is designed to make your gardening experience easier and more enjoyable. It effectively helps to keep weeds at bay, allowing your plants to thrive without competition. Made from 100% natural forest materials, this mulch not only enhances the look of your garden but also maintains its rich brown color throughout the season, so you won’t have to worry about fading. Additionally, it aids in retaining soil moisture, ensuring your plants stay hydrated. With a volume of 42.5 liters, it’s perfect for various gardening needs.

What We Like
Weed prevention
Natural materials
Long-lasting color
Moisture retention

Wood Smith USA Cedar Shavings

Wood Smith USA Cedar Shavings Cover
100% Natural Cedar Shavings | Mulch | Great for Outdoors or Indoor Potted Plants | Dog Bedding (4 Quart)

Wood Smith Cedar Mulch is a 100% natural cedar product great for both indoor and outdoor plants. It helps retain moisture, emits a subtle cedar scent for air freshening, and can be used for animal bedding or in kitty litter to absorb odors. Additionally, it is perfect for hanging planters and comes in a generous amount for its price. Each bag is carefully hand-packed in the USA, ensuring quality and freshness.

What We Like
100% Natural Cedar
Retains Moisture
Subtle Cedar Scent
#TOP 4

HealthiStraw GardenStraw

HealthiStraw
HSTGARDENSTRAW
3 Cubic Feet
HealthiStraw GardenStraw Cover
HealthiStraw GardenStraw, 3 cu ft - All-Natural Mulch for Vibrant Gardens, Vegetables Lawn Seeding - Water-Conserving, Weed-Suppressing Wheat Straw - Sustainably Sourced, Thoroughly Cleaned

HealthiStraw Mulch is a natural mulch made from renewable wheat straw with enhanced seed filtration. It conserves water, maintains stable soil temperature and moisture levels, and improves soil health. This mulch is ideal for vegetable gardens, raised beds, containers, lawn seeding, and patch repair. By using HealthiStraw Mulch, you can reduce watering needs, protect your plants from soil-borne afflictions, and enhance your gardening practices.

What We Like
Renewable wheat straw
Water conservation
Improves soil health
#TOP 5

Brut Organic Aspen Mulch

BRUT WORM FARMS
BW-MulchAspen-12lb
Brut Organic Aspen Mulch Cover
Brut Organic Aspen Mulch – 12 Lbs – High Carbon – Water Retention – Natural Solution for Healthy Houseplants, Flowers, and Vegetables - Use Indoors or Outdoors - Odor Free

Brut Mulch, by BRUT WORM FARMS, is a high carbon aspen mulch that helps with water retention, weed prevention, and soil pH balance. The high carbon content aids in enriching the soil without depleting nitrogen. It retains water well, releasing it slowly to your plants, reducing the frequency of watering. Acting as a cover mulch, it effectively blocks weed growth and serves as a natural alternative to lime for acidic soils. With proven success in tree planting, this mulch is easy to use both indoors and outdoors, making it a convenient and beneficial choice for your gardening needs.

What We Like
High Carbon Content
Water Retention
Weed Prevention
#TOP 6

USA PINESTRAW Organic Pine Needle Mulch

Light Brown
USA PINESTRAW Organic Pine Needle Mulch Cover
USA Pine Straw - Premium Pine Needle Mulch (Pine Needle Mulch - Covers 100 Sqft 1 Set)

USA PINESTRAW Pine Needle Mulch is an eco-friendly solution for your garden. Made from 100% organic materials, it helps create a sustainable environment while enhancing the beauty of your landscaping. This mulch effectively controls weeds, allowing you to maintain a healthy garden without harmful chemicals. Additionally, its excellent moisture retention capabilities mean you can keep your plants hydrated, reducing the need for frequent watering. With its long-lasting nature, this mulch ensures your garden remains attractive and vibrant throughout the seasons.

What We Like
Organic and eco-friendly
Effective weed control
Moisture retention
Durable and attractive
#TOP 7

Premium Hardwood Mulch by Soil Sunrise

SSKIT281
Brown
4 Quarts
Premium Hardwood Mulch by Soil Sunrise Cover
Premium Hardwood Mulch for Houseplants (4 Quarts); Shredded Wood Mulch for Indoor/Outdoor Container Gardening

Hardwood Mulch by Soil Sunrise is an all-natural product made from 100% hardwood, ensuring no harmful dyes or additives. This mulch serves multiple purposes, including enhancing your soil as a supplement and adding visual appeal to your indoor or outdoor gardening spaces. It helps to maintain consistent temperatures, retains moisture, and provides essential nutrients to your plants, making it easier for you to achieve a thriving garden. Additionally, its attractive dark brown color adds an aesthetic touch to your containers while effectively discouraging weed growth.

What We Like
All-natural ingredients
Temperature insulation
Moisture retention
Attractive appearance
#TOP 8

MAQIHAN 11 OZ Pine Needle Mulch

MAQIHAN
LZH-Pine Needle-01
MAQIHAN 11 OZ Pine Needle Mulch Cover
MAQIHAN 11 OZ Rotting Pine Needles Mulch for Orchid - Organic Mulch for Garden Mulch for Landscaping Orchid Potting Mix Mulch for Indoor Potted Plants

MAQIHAN Pine Needle Mulch is an organic, biodegradable option for your gardening needs. This mulch enriches the soil as it decomposes, providing essential nutrients that help your plants thrive. It is particularly beneficial for indoor potted plants, as it retains moisture and reduces evaporation, meaning you won't have to water as often. Additionally, it is ideal for plants that thrive in acidic soils, like orchids and blueberries, ensuring they have the right pH balance for healthy growth. Whether you're enhancing flower beds or potted plants, this mulch creates a neat and attractive garden space.

What We Like
Organic and biodegradable
Moisture retention
Improves soil structure
Supports acidic soil plants
#TOP 9

Garden Elements Cocoa Bean Shell Mulch

Garden Elements Cocoa Bean Shell Mulch Cover
Garden Elements 100% Natural Cocoa Bean Shell Mulch for Gardens, Flower Beds, Potted Plants, Mulching, 2 CF

Garden Elements Mulch is a 100% natural cocoa bean shell mulch derived from the shell of the cocoa bean. It is a natural dark, fade-resistant color with a pleasing cocoa aroma. This mulch is very lightweight and easy to spread. It helps smother weeds and retain moisture in your light soils, which is useful for gardeners who want to conserve water and reduce weed growth. Additionally, it will not burn vegetation. Garden Elements Mulch speeds up soil warm-up in the spring and protects perennial root structures. This product is produced in the USA and is perfect for gardeners who want a natural, lightweight mulch that is easy to use.

What We Like
Natural and lightweight
Retains moisture and smothers weeds
Speeds soil warm-up in spring
#TOP 10

GARDENWISE Premium Wood Mulch

GARDENWISE
GW-MULCH
Black Wood Mulch
GARDENWISE Premium Wood Mulch Cover
GARDENWISE Premium Black Wood Mulch for Landscaping, Gardens, Lawns, Potting Media, and Potted Plants (0.2 CF - 4.8 L - 5 QTS)

GARDENWISE Mulch offers versatility, acting as a weed barrier to reduce weeding time, locking in moisture for vibrant plants, and stabilizing soil temperature to protect roots. It ensures a beautiful and low-maintenance garden, promoting healthy plant growth in all seasons. The mulch is pet-friendly, allowing your furry friends to roam safely. With a commitment to sustainability, GARDENWISE Mulch enriches the soil naturally, supporting organic gardening practices and contributing to a healthier planet.

What We Like
Versatile gardening solution
Natural weed barrier
Enhanced moisture retention
Buying Guide Image

Best Mulch You Are Looking For

Introduction to Mulch

Mulch is a protective and decorative layer of material that is spread on top of the soil in a garden or landscape. It is used to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, improve the appearance of the garden, and regulate soil temperature. Mulch can be made from a variety of materials, including wood chips, bark, leaves, straw, and compost. In this article, we will discuss how to choose the right mulch for your garden.

The Benefits of Mulch

Mulch is an important part of a healthy garden ecosystem. It helps to conserve moisture in the soil by reducing evaporation, which can save you time and money on watering. Mulch also helps to suppress weeds by blocking light and preventing weed seeds from germinating. In addition, mulch can improve the appearance of your garden by adding a polished and finished look, as well as providing a comfortable surface for walking and sitting.

Choosing the Right Mulch

When choosing mulch, there are several factors to consider, including the type of material, the color, and the texture. The type of material will depend on the location and function of the mulch. For example, wood chips are a good choice for a vegetable garden, while bark is a better choice for a flower bed. The color of mulch can also affect the appearance of your garden. Darker colors, such as black or red, can make plants and flowers pop, while lighter colors, such as straw or pine needles, can add a more natural look. The texture of mulch is also important, as a coarse texture will allow water and air to penetrate the soil, while a fine texture will hold moisture longer.

Mulch and Pest Control

In addition to its other benefits, mulch can also help to control pests in your garden. For example, straw mulch can provide a habitat for beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which can help to control pests. Cedar mulch can also repel pests, such as ants and ticks, due to its natural aromatic oils.

Applying Mulch

Once you have chosen the right mulch for your garden, it is important to apply it correctly. First, remove any weeds and debris from the area where you will be applying the mulch. Next, apply a 2-4 inch layer of mulch, making sure to leave a few inches of space around the base of plants to allow for proper air circulation. Avoid piling mulch against the stems or trunks of plants, as this can cause rot. Finally, water the mulch thoroughly to help it settle and begin its moisture-conserving benefits.

Conclusion

Mulch is an important tool in any gardener's arsenal. It can conserve moisture, suppress weeds, improve the appearance of your garden, and control pests. By considering the type, color, and texture of mulch, you can choose the right mulch for your garden and enjoy all of its benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is mulch good or bad for the garden?

Mulch is beneficial for the garden when used correctly. It can help improve soil quality, retain moisture, and suppress weed growth. However, it's important to avoid common mistakes such as overmulching and using the wrong type of mulch.

2. What is the disadvantage of mulching?

While mulching has many benefits, there are a couple of potential disadvantages. Overmulching can suffocate plants by burying them, and mulch can provide a hiding place for pests. Additionally, if mulch is applied incorrectly, it can generate excess heat that can harm plants.

3. Is it better to mulch or not to mulch?

Mulching is generally recommended due to its numerous advantages. It helps conserve soil moisture, regulates soil temperature, inhibits weed growth, and improves soil structure when organic mulch is used.

4. What should I put down before mulching?

Before mulching, it's recommended to get rid of weeds. You can manually remove them using a garden hoe or hand weeder, or you can use a weed killer. If mulching around a tree, you can also opt to remove the grass or place a layer of black-and-white newspaper before applying the mulch.

5. Should you remove mulch every year?

It is not necessary to remove old mulch every year. Mulch gradually breaks down, adding nutrients and organic matter to the soil. Removing pre-existing mulch annually is unnecessary and can create extra work and expenses.

6. When should you not mulch?

It is advisable to avoid mulching just before heavy rainfall or very windy weather as it may cause the mulch to wash away or blow off. If the mulch has settled and become heavier over time, it will be less prone to wind damage.

7. Which mulch attracts termites?

Certain types of mulch, such as cypress sapwood, loblolly pine, and slash pine, are attractive to termites. On the other hand, mulches like cypress heartwood, melaleuca, eucalyptus, southern tidewater red cypress, and California redwood are less favorable for termites and may reduce their chances of survival compared to their usual food sources.

Editor's Notes

During our mulch research, we found 24 mulch products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 12,571 customer reviews through our big data system to write the mulch list. We found that most customers choose mulch with an average price of $27.32.

The mulch are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of mulch, including SuperMoss, Scotts, Wood Smith USA, HealthiStraw, BRUT WORM FARMS. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Steven Taylor Avatar

Steven Taylor grew up in a small town called Beaufort in South Carolina and his passion for building and woodworking has led him to master the latest garden gadgets. He always holds every chance to patch up or sand down his beloved garden. There are various novel technologies in his articles.