Shredded hardwood and dyed mulch
The most common choice at big-box stores and landscape yards. Shredded pieces knit together for weed control and stay in place on slopes better than large nuggets. Dyed brown/black/red mulch uses shredded wood — color fades in 12–18 months.
Best for: foundation beds, commercial landscapes, annual refresh cycles. Typical bag size: 2 cu ft.
Bark nuggets and pine bark
Larger pieces (mini, standard, jumbo nuggets) last longer and look formal but wash away on slopes and float in heavy rain. Pine bark is lighter and acidic — good for azaleas, rhododendrons, and blueberries.
Best for: level beds, containers, acid-loving plants. Less ideal for steep grades or flood-prone zones.
Compost and leaf mulch
Compost as a top dressing improves soil biology but breaks down fast — often within one season. Use thin layers (1–2 inches) or mix into soil rather than 4-inch decorative depth.
Leaf mulch and arborist chips are economical for paths, back beds, and vegetable gardens. Allow fresh wood chips to age before using thickly around tender annuals (nitrogen tie-up).