Mulch can be almost any loose aggregate material that will stay put and not significantly reduce air exchange out of the soil. But what kind is best?

As with hardwood bark mulch, it’s best to find a source that is composted — and if formal composting isn’t an option, an old pile that’s been sitting around a while is still better than fresh.

As with hardwood bark mulch, it’s best to find a source that is composted — and if formal composting isn’t an option, an old pile that’s been sitting around a while is still better than fresh.

As with hardwood bark mulch, it’s best to find a source that is composted — and if formal composting isn’t an option, an old pile that’s been sitting around a while is still better than fresh.

"I'm replacing my old evergreen azaleas with native ones called Piedmont azaleas. What sort of mulch do they like better: ...

As with hardwood bark mulch, it’s best to find a source that is composted — and if formal composting isn’t an option, an old pile that’s been sitting around a while is still better than fresh.

As with hardwood bark mulch, it’s best to find a source that is composted — and if formal composting isn’t an option, an old pile that’s been sitting around a while is still better than fresh.

As with hardwood bark mulch, it’s best to find a source that is composted — and if formal composting isn’t an option, an old pile that’s been sitting around a while is still better than fresh.

As with hardwood bark mulch, it’s best to find a source that is composted — and if formal composting isn’t an option, an old pile that’s been sitting around a while is still better than fresh.

As with hardwood bark mulch, it’s best to find a source that is composted — and if formal composting isn’t an option, an old pile that’s been sitting around a while is still better than fresh.