artsbayfieldalmanac

Either wood chips or crushed stone can be used as a mulch, although in general I don't like the appearance of stone, which is also more expensive and difficult to apply.  Almost any wood chips will do, although I personally find the colored mulches unnatural, even garish. Cocoa been hulls can be used but usually do not stay put over a weed barrier, and I am told they are toxic to dogs.  Mulch need not be heavy, two to four inches deep is plenty.  One disadvantage of wood mulch is that heavy rain or roof runoff can move it around, exposing the plastic and requiring work to replace it. An advantage of stone mulch is that it will stay in place.  Wood mulch deteriorates over time and eventually has to be replaced.  Wood mulch, particularly without a weed barrier, depletes the soil of nitrogen and may cause foliage to yellow.  Occasional fertilizing with a low nitrogen fertilizer easily compensates for the deficiency.    I do not always use a weed barr...