Mulching Materials

Material

Pro

Con

Straw/Hay

Cheap; generally available; adds organic matter

Can contain weed seed, insects and /or disease

Leaves

Readily available; generally free; rich in nutrients

Can mat down if not shredded, increases acidity in soil.

Grass clippings

Easy to get and apply; good source of nitrogen if applied green (green manure).

Can burn plants if applied green; may contain weed seeds

Pine needles

Attractive; easy to apply

Increases soil acidity

Wood shavings

Weed and disease free; easy to apply; available

Can be acid; decomposition process ties up nitrogen in the soil

Newspaper

Easy to get and apply; earthworms love it

Decomposes very fast; must be weighted down, unattractive

Black Plastic

Total weed control; warms soil for early start; heavy plastic can be used more than one season

Expensive, unattractive; adds nothing to soil; must be weighted down and cleaned up in the fall.