- I’ve tried color-lock mulch a couple times. Looked sharp at first, but after two summers it still faded out—maybe not as bad as the cheap stuff, but not worth double the price in my book.
- I keep wondering if anyone’s tried just using local wood chips and letting them weather naturally? Seems less hassle, plus it breaks down and feeds the soil.
- Anyone else notice how some of these “long-lasting” mulches start to look weirdly artificial after a while... or is that just me?
I switched to local wood chips a few years back—got ‘em free from a tree service. They do fade, but I actually like the natural look better than that weird plasticky color some mulches get. Plus, my soil’s way happier now. Only downside is you might get a few mushrooms popping up, but honestly, that’s never bothered me.
They do fade, but I actually like the natural look better than that weird plasticky color some mulches get.
Same here—those bright red or black mulches always looked a bit off to me. I went with local wood chips last spring after reading up on soil health, and it’s been a noticeable improvement. The fading doesn’t bother me either; if anything, it blends in better with the rest of the yard.
I did notice more mushrooms too, especially after rain. At first I was worried they’d be a problem for pets or kids, but turns out most are harmless and just part of the decomposition process. One thing I’ve found is that the chips break down faster than bagged mulch, so I’ve had to top them up more often than expected. Still worth it for the price (free) and how much softer the soil feels now.
Curious if anyone’s tried mixing in leaves or grass clippings with their wood chips? Wondering if that would help balance things out or just make a mess...
I went with local wood chips last spring after reading up on soil health, and it’s been a noticeable improvement.
I’ve mixed in leaves with wood chips before, and honestly, it worked out fine—just don’t go too heavy on the grass clippings. They can mat down and get slimy if you’re not careful. Leaves break down nicely and add some good texture, but grass can turn into a mess fast if it’s too thick or wet. I’d stick to a light layer of clippings at most, especially if you want to avoid that “rotting lawn” smell.
Leaves break down nicely and add some good texture, but grass can turn into a mess fast if it’s too thick or wet.
I’ve had the same issue with grass clippings—once they get slimy, it’s a pain to deal with. Ever tried mixing in a bit of straw? I find it helps keep things from compacting too much, especially if you’re layering over clay-heavy soil. Curious if anyone’s noticed a difference in earthworm activity with different mulch combos?
