Southeastern Wisconsin residents looking to spruce up their properties with mulch have a lot of options as far as materials are concerned. Nowadays, landscape mulch comes in all shapes, sizes and colors to suit virtually every taste. Stone and wood mulch are the most popular types in use. Here are a few considerations to ponder when choosing between the two.

Drainage and Irrigation

Every mulch option on the market has unique water-retention qualities that can help you to fine-tune drainage and irrigation. For instance, a good cedar mulch can trap water near the surface to keep shrubs from drying out. A quality granite mulch will allow water to quickly migrate to nearby drainage ditches during periods of heavy rainfall.

Aesthetic Appeal

For most home and business owners, looks matter quite a bit when deciding on a mulch for any given purpose. Color and texture are the two big factors that dictate what kind of mulch works best in any scenario. Fortunately, wood and stone mulch come in a rainbow of hues that can complement any architectural or landscaping theme.

Long-Term Upkeep

When it comes to maintenance requirements, there’s a huge difference between biodegradable wood mulch and the more durable stone variety. A traditional oak or pine mulch will need to be replaced every other year to achieve positive results. Barring a flash flood, a stone mulch like traffic bond will last forever and require little or no maintenance.

Soil Health

One of the most compelling benefits of wood mulch is its ability to gradually enrich the underlying soil. As mulch breaks down, it leaches nutrients into the topsoil and improves the health of flowers, plants, shrubs and trees. For the most part, stone mulch won’t break down and add vital minerals or nutrients to the surrounding landscape.

Heat Retention

Believe it or not, landscape mulch can have a major impact on the temperature of the soil it covers. Stone mulch tends to retain heat throughout the day and make irrigation a difficult, time-consuming task. Wood mulch tends to keep topsoil at a reasonable temperature and prevent roots from drying up during sustained heat waves.

Pest Control

Both wood and stone mulch can be effective tools in the fight to deter insects and rodents. Likewise, either material can actually provide a fertile environment for these pests to proliferate if you pick the wrong type for an application. A qualified mulch contractor can advise you on the appropriate mulch for your circumstances.

Weed Management

The most important function of mulch is preventing weeds from crowding out desirable plant life. While wood mulch can greatly reduce the number of weeds that sprout, it must be applied at the right time to achieve the best outcomes. Stone mulch keeps weeds at bay for a longer period of time. However, weeds can still sprout in stone mulch if seeds land in soil-filled cracks.

The Perfect Milwaukee Mulch for You

To get the most out of landscape mulch, you’ll need to track down the right product for the job. Melvin Mulch of Milwaukee is the premier provider of wood and stone mulch for southeastern Wisconsin residents from all walks of life. Call (414) 856-9077. We’ll set you up with the best mulch for your project in short order. And we deliver!

Photo by Mack Lundy from Flickr using Creative Commons license.