Mulching in Denver Metro

When it comes to mulch there are many price and materials options.

• Bark Chips– Bark chips are made from a pulverized or chipped up type of tree bark. They often include spruce bark and pine bark in their ingredients list which make them more acidic than other types of mulches which can promote better growth in acidic plants like rhododendrons or azaleas. The other advantage of bark chips is that they can be mixed into the soil where they are needed to provide beneficial nutrients to plants and because they break down quickly.
• Shredded Hardwood– This mulch is high in calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These nutrients help strengthen weak plant stems. Shredded hardwood can also be used as a mulch in the compost pile to help with decomposition for plants. You will see that it works great around plants that have been affected by pests like aphids, spidermite, or powdery mildew. Hardwood mulches add cover for beneficial insects like lady beetles, which are predators for aphids and other harmful insects.
• Ground up Bark– Bark mulch is made from a pulverized form of cedar or pine bark. It has a very acidic pH level and is best used for acid loving plants.
• Peat Moss– Peat moss is harvested from bogs around the world. When it is harvested it does not get turned into mulch until it dries out completely which takes months.  Peat moss has an acid/alkaline balance that may be good for plants that grow in certain microclimates but otherwise may make soil more acidic than normal unless there’s something to buffer the soil (such as lime).
• Straw – balances soil pH, adds nutrients, and is a natural weed suppressant.  Start by fluffing up bales of straw with a pitchfork or garden fork so that they’re broken up into small pieces.  Spread a layer of straw mulch about 3 inches thick over your garden soil.  Water the straw several times to help it settle into the soil and help it decompose so you can plant on top of it. If using in vegetable gardens, wait 30-60 days before planting to allow time for mulch to break down and nourish the soil for your plants. Straw may take up to six months or longer in colder climates to fully break down.