What is your favorite form of mulch? I use shredded hardwood, but only because it is popular in my neighborhood. In a former life I used pine bark nuggets and don't remember having the struggle with weeds like I have now. I'm wondering if I should switch back.

I discovered only in the past year that decomposing mulch can add nutrients to the soil. (DUH!) So now I'm wondering if I should add something to speed up decomposition, even though that runs counter to the other benefits of mulch.

Any thoughts on either of these topics would be most welcome.