[cassieandcameo]

I need to replace all the mulch in my landscaping and I'd like to know the best product to use.

I'd like it to be as bug free as possible and I'd like it to be brown as opposed to red. Also, how deep should it be?

All advice is welcomed!

[labman]

I think it all does a fine job retaining moisture and keeping the weeds down. I have heard of the cocoa hull mulch killing dogs. Pine or cypress bark is less likely to have the termites every body feared from mulch made from Katrina debris. Otherwise, I would go with what looks good to you. 2'' sounds good to me.

[hwy61]

I need to replace all the mulch in my landscaping and I'd like to know the best product to use.

I'd like it to be as bug free as possible and I'd like it to be brown in color as opposed to red. Also, how deep should it be?

All advice is welcomed!

Where do you live? Around here, Alabama, we use shredded pine or hardwood bark, some cypress and pine straw. Pinestraw will stay on a steep slope better than shredded bark but is impossible to work in between small plants such as a bed of mondo japonica. Don't use "nuggets" as they readily float away. 3" to 4" is the industry depth standard for new plantings. All organic mulches weather grey and pretty much break down in a years time.

[cassieandcameo]

I'm in Illinois. People have recommended cypress because I'm so concerned about bugs and the beds are right up against the house. Most of the beds are flat and the landscaping is already established.

Cypress looks more red than I want but I'm more interested in the mulch being insect resistant.