This is the Best Mulch to Stop Weeds From Growing in Your Garden

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Whether you’re a gardening expert or novice, there is no escaping dealing with tenacious weeds in your garden. 

The only difference in how much of a headache they become is the tactic you deploy to keep them at bay. 

While there are numerous weed control tactics you can consider, we think one of them stands out for its effective and lasting results.

Mulching. 

Mulch prevents the weeds from reseeding and smothers them, eventually killing them.

Apart from killing off weeds, mulching also helps to:

  • Improve soil structure
  • Retain moisture
  • Protect plants from excess heat
  • Reduce soil erosion
  • Maintain a tidy and attractive garden

Now that you know mulch is highly beneficial to your garden, which type is the best for stopping garden weeds?

Best Mulch for Gardens

Mulch comes in different forms, including the typical wood chip, straw, pine needles,  grass clippings, and compost, and they all generally offer good results. 

However, we think shredded pine bark mulch is the best. 

The distinctive reddish-brown mulch typically makes your garden look neat and stops weeds in their tracks.

Benefits of Using Pine Bark Mulch

Pine bark mulch forms a dense barrier preventing weed growth
Pine bark mulch forms a dense barrier preventing weed growth. Image: Canva/africaimages

Here are some reasons why we think pine bark mulch will give you the best weed control results: 

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1. It’s Lightweight

Unlike other organic mulches, pine bark mulch is lighter and easier to spread across the garden. Where you may need to apply a second time, you can do it fast and easily. 

2. It Takes Longer to Break Down

Pine bark is already a favorite for many gardeners because it takes more time to decompose. Other mulches turn gray after a short while, but pine mulch retains its texture and offers longer weed control service. 

3. It Forms a Dense Barrier

Over time, its high matting ability secures the mulch in place which reduces displacement, making it ideal for sloppy or windy areas.

This mulch also helps to prevent weeds from growing through.

Tips for Using Pine Bark Mulch

Here are some tips on using pine bark mulch to help you get the best results:

  • Lay a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the plants or trees
  • Spread the mulch further away from tree trunks to avoid rot
  • Check the mulch after extreme weather events and re-lay as required

The next time you consider laying mulch for weed control, pick pine bark mulch and watch your plants and trees in your garden thrive!