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ebindc

pros & cons: leaf mulch vs wood mulch

ebindc
15 years ago

I am a new gardener and haven't yet mulched this year ... I've been told that wood mulch drains nutrients from the soil, so I was planning to get leaf mulch. But does leaf mulch do a good job reducing weeds?

I have a small vegetable patch and perennials like day lillies, azaleas, hydrangeas etc. I planted bulbs, as well - some of them bloomed, and some I planted too late.

What are the pros and cons of leaf vs. wood mulch? If I need both, I am getting my trees trimmed in a few weeks (cedar, ash, elm, silver maple) and could ask the tree company for the mulched wood. However, the owner told me that he wouldn't recommend using the chipped wood for mulch. They take it to the county to be composted.

Any guidance would be much appreciated!

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