Mulch vs. Straw: Which Is Better for Your Landscaping?

If you’re planning out your landscaping or refreshing your garden beds this season, one of the most common questions is: Should I use mulch or straw?

Both options help retain soil moisture, prevent weeds, and protect your plants—but they serve different purposes and offer unique benefits. At Justin Dugan’s Landscaping, we want to help you make the right choice for your yard, your plants, and your budget.
Let’s break it down!

Mulch is typically made from shredded bark, hardwood, or even rubber. It’s known for giving garden beds and tree rings a neat, polished look, making it a popular choice for homeowners who want curb appeal that lasts.

✅ Benefits of Mulch:

• Weed Control: Mulch blocks sunlight, making it hard for weeds to sprout.
• Moisture Retention: Helps soil stay damp longer—great for reducing watering needs.
• Slow Breakdown: Organic mulch enriches the soil over time with nutrients.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Available in a variety of colors and textures to match your landscape style.
• Pest Deterrence: Some mulches (like cedar or cypress) naturally repel insects.

🚫 Things to Consider:

• Mulch costs a bit more up front.
• Color can fade with sun exposure.
• Over-mulching can trap moisture against plant stems if not installed properly.

📌 Best Use Cases:

• Flower beds
• Around trees and shrubs
• Walkways and formal landscaping

Straw—like pine straw or wheat straw—is a lighter, more natural-looking ground cover. It’s commonly used in vegetable gardens, around new seedlings, and for erosion control on slopes.

✅ Benefits of Straw:

• Budget-Friendly: Less expensive than most mulches.
• Excellent for New Growth: Perfect for protecting grass seed or tender veggies while letting in sun and rain.
• Quick Soil Enrichment: Breaks down faster than mulch and feeds the soil.
• Easy to Spread: Lightweight and ideal for larger coverage areas. 
  

🚫 Things to Consider:

• Breaks down quickly (usually within one season).
• Less effective at weed control unless layered thick.
• Can be blown or washed away more easily.
• Doesn’t offer the same clean look as mulch.

📌 Best Use Cases:

• Vegetable gardens
• New grass seed areas
• Hillsides or erosion-prone slopes
• Informal or rustic landscapes

The best ground cover really comes down to your landscaping goals:

• Want long-lasting beauty and fewer weeds? Go with mulch.
• Planting a vegetable garden or seeding new grass? Straw is the way to go.
  
• Have a steep slope that washes out? Straw offers great erosion control.

Need help deciding or want us to handle the install? We’re here to make your yard look great and grow strong—all season long.

📞 Contact Justin Dugan’s Landscaping today for a free consultation.
Let’s bring your outdoor vision to life!