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Published Apr 23, 2026 • Last updated 8 minutes ago • 3 minute read
Iris peaks through red pine mulch. (John DeGroot) jpg, WC, apsmcArticle content
It was overdue. We hadn’t put down a layer of fresh mulch since the backyard wedding in 2022, and the landscape was looking tired.
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Through the past four years, much of the original mulch has disappeared, perhaps blown away, but more likely decomposed, adding nutrients to our sandy soil.
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So far, we have spread 11 cubic yards. I figure we will need two more yards before we put away the pitchfork, wheelbarrow and rake. Admittedly, our landscaped areas are larger than most.
Spreading mulch is instant gratification. Its rich brown colour brightens the landscape, giving beautiful contrast to the perennials and shrubs that are just beginning to show spring growth.
Mulch’s fragrance, albeit short lived, is an added bonus.
Mulch is light weight and spreading it will not necessitate a trip to the chiropractor. I prefer to buy it in bulk, using a pitchfork to put it in the wheelbarrow and then dumping it in small piles throughout the garden. Buying mulch in plastic bags is fine for smaller landscape tasks.
Picking the right mulch for your landscape is more a matter of preference than function. All types of organic wood-based mulch will enhance the landscape, reduce weed growth and help retain soil moisture.
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In my home landscape I opted for shredded red pine mulch. Its fine texture looks great among small plants, and the rich brown colour has good staying power.
Pine mulch is slow to deteriorate, and the thin shreds tend to remain in place rather than float away with a rainstorm.
Shredded cedar mulch is a favourite because it smells wonderful and is slowest to break down. Cedar mulch has a fine texture and colour is lighter brown with a hint of orange.
Decorative shredded hardwood mulch is a finely ground blend of woody substrates along with hardwood and softwood barks. Colour is natural pale brown, aging to warm brown.
Woodchip mulch or econo mulch is a natural blend, sourced from various tree types, and aged for several months. Texture is not as fine as the other options, but econo mulch is budget friendly and suitable for large landscape products.
In my home landscape I used econo mulch along the side of the garage and shed, where appearance is less critical. Econo mulch will have some imperfections, and I recommend viewing the product before ordering it.
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Coloured shredded mulch is made from waste wood products with dye added for enhanced colour. Midnight black is most popular and looks great when used where home colour is in grey tones with a black roof. Some folks appreciate black mulch because it looks like freshly overturned topsoil.
Rustic dyed red mulch is the most colourful mulch, almost annoyingly. You won’t find red mulch in my landscape because I would rather have my eyes focus on plants than on mulch. Rustic dyed brown mulch is naturally brown, with dye added for consistent colour.
Pine bark mulch is a classic mulch providing long-lasting natural benefit for placement around trees and landscape plants. Choose nuggets which are the size of small eggs, or mini chips, the size of Corn Flakes.
To determine the quantity of mulch required, I recommend a generous layer of mulch, with one cubic yard spread over 100 square feet of area (one cubic metre over 12 square metres).
For topping up existing mulched garden beds, apply the mulch at approximately half the rate.
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