2CF. Rain makes mulch twice as heavy, making me twice as tired, twice as sore, and a few pounds heavier than I was when I was wearing water-soaked clothes. Color guaranteed to last 12 months. Here are some important features to consider when selecting the best landscape fabric, as well as our top weed barrier picks for your landscape. We watered for 3 weeks, 3 times a day, to keep the soil moist during germination. You cannot apply it near your house and on any wooden surface. Dyed mulches are not beneficial to the soil, despite the potential risks of colored mulch and pets, people, or young plants. Size 1.2 Mil Pink Mulch Garden Plastic Film Agfabric agricultural plastic mulch cover Agfabric agricultural plastic mulch cover red mulching film Red mulch is made of high quality PE material which is UV resistant and widely used in agriculture.It certainly helps you increase the yield of potatoes and tomatoes.Feature: 1. Vomiting and possibly diarrhea are common symptoms. BothScotts Nature Scapes Color Enhanced MulchandScotts Nature Scapes Triple Shred Mulchare made from natural recovered forest materials, not ground-up pallets or construction debris. That said, Vigoros rubber mulch lasts the longest. Like organic mulch, recycled rubber mulch helps retain soil moisture, moderates soil temperature and controls weeds. Per 1 BagAvailabilityEasily AvailableLess AvailablePriceAround $42Around $3.33. Some mulches come shredded, and they offer your landscape a beautiful look. This is a great option to fill in holes or improve bare patches in your lawn. 3. It also has the added benefit of nutrients for the plants, often resulting in larger, more colorful, more plentiful, and longer-lasting flowers. trend www.homedepot.com. Vigoro Premium Colorized Mulch. Both offer a wood mulch line, but Scotts use reclaimed forest wood while Vigoro uses scrap wood (like most mulch brands). 2. In respect to this, does Home Depot own vigoro? 0 0 . Of course, tall-blooming tulips, blossoming vegetables, and freshly-cut flowers are the stars of your garden, but mulch is the lesser-noticed necessity that makes everything come together. Depending on the wood . Learn how your comment data is processed. There are actually two types of wood mulch that termites dislike cedar and heartwood cypress mulch. (All You Need to Know), 10 Best Plants for Rock Mulch (Full Guide), How to Remove Mulch and Replace with Grass. Our top pick is the Texas Native All-Natural Hardwood Mulch. In order to buy any of the two mulches, first, you must know where to buy them. 's Houseplant Mulch is our top pick because it promotes moisture retention and growth for indoor and outdoor potted plants alike. This should not surprise us since we associate carbon with charcoal. The "best one" depends on garden soil conditions, drainage, the aesthetics you desire, and how much you want to spend. It does break down and fade faster than some of its competitors, but if you are looking to upgrade your outdoor space without spending a lot of money, Vigoro mulches will deliver a big bang for your buck. Test your soil, add any nutrients it needs, then rake the mulch back over to cover. Compost is a great way to mulch flower beds since it provides nutrients to the soil and looks neat and attractive as well. This budget-friendly option comes in a bag that contains two cubic feet of mulch, which is approximately 56.6. liters, and you can choose from three different colors (black, brown, or red). Mulching your yard can help your plants stay healthy and reduce the amount of watering you need to do. Compare 1 Cubic Yard Brown Mulch - Bulk Bag Delivered . Scotts 25-Year Pro Landscape Fabric: Geotextiles aren't so attractive in the home garden, but it's a heavy-duty and long-lasting option when secured with landscaping staples, and worth every penny. Master of all. Are you thinking about which griddle is the best choice for you in the market? Mulch has a long history of human use. ", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "I sometimes encounter customers who ask, u201cIs colored mulch toxic?u201d. Vigoro Perennial Outdoor Plants Garden Center The Home Depot. 1. They are also famous for their water retention capability and adequate protection against weeds. If so, please leave a comment and let me know. When it comes to sprucing up your landscape and improving your plants environment in a short period of time, adding mulch is a simple and speedy solution. Its ColorGuard technology helps mulches to retain color for years. If you are a pet owner, its best to steer clear of these types of mulch completely. Vigoro Mulch is not readily available on sites like Amazon. It does not harm the soil and the crops as well. A good-quality black wood mulch consists of hardwood chips dyed black, usually with a carbon black color. Iron oxide, the most widely used dye, is made up of a mixture of iron and oxygen. Color-enhanced mulch is an ideal way to add vibrant color to your landscape project. Water simply passes around the mulch and straight into the soil, keeping plants thoroughly hydrated. This guide will compare the two to help you decide which is the best option for your yard. Lots of gardeners have their theories about the advantages of colored mulch. How to use: First, spray the soil and lay down the seed. That's plenty for a total. What's more, its made from 100% natural forest products so it enriches the soil with . ", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "Cedar Mulch A popular choice for dog owners. Amber902; Nov 4, 2022; Coop & Run - Design, Construction, & Maintenance; Replies 3 Views 264. Instead it leaches the dye along with the possible contaminants (chromium, copper, arsenic and others) into the soil harming or even killing beneficial soil bacteria, insects, earthworms and sometimes the plants themselves. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. So is vigorous mulch safe? Bagged Brown Mulch. The seed is perfect for my Texas climate as it has superior heat and drought tolerance. Plants need moisture in the roots, not next to the stem. In addition, the mulch will control erosion and moderate weed growth. The mulch is then dyed brown with an environmentally-friendly dye. As an Amazon Associate, I Earn From Qualifying Purchases. But the larger and sharper pieces of mulch can damage your dogs throat and can cause bowel or stomach obstructions, leading to an emergency trip to the veterinarian.J. It smells good and feels good to chew. It is superior in quality to Vigoro. This article was researched and written by Katie Begley, who has used mulch to spruce up her yard and benefit her garden in California, Hawaii, Virginia, and North Carolina. . Mulch is any material that is used to cover the soil, either with a particular purpose or just to beautify the space. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. Amber902. To help encourage good drainage to keep the ground drier and prevent washouts from downspouts, this area can be topped with natural stone or an inorganic mulch like plastic or rubber pellets. Colored mulch does need to be replaced at the end of the season or more often, depending on how much sun it receives. Cocoa Shells: 2-4 years. Mulch Americas black color enhanced mulch evenly distributes water, allowing moisture to reach all parts of your gardens soil. I spend an average of 20 hours reading everyday. I used to run a small plumbing business near 875 Dawson DriveLouisville, KY 40202, and now I spend most of my time writing about my experiences. Here is a quick comparison table between Scotts mulch and Vigoro mulch:AspectsScotts MulchVigoro MulchProduct TypeSpecial For Moisture RetentionSpecial For Color RetentionSpecial FeatureComes With ColorGuard TechnologyRevitalize The LandscapeBenefitsOffers More BenefitsOffers Fewer BenefitsApplicationEasy ApplicationEasy ApplicationCoverage6 Sq. Mary Marlowe Leverette is a freelance writer and editor who specializes in home, kitchen, and gardening. It's easy to use and maintain and perfect for playgrounds and play areas. Our rubber mulch prices are $315 for a 2,000-pound bag, shown here, or $6 per 24-pound bag. The Scotts Nature Scapes Color Enhanced Mulch is a premium mulch available in 3 different colors; Forest Brown, Sierra Red, and Classic Black). Remember, the deeper the mulch the more likely it is to attract termites. This should not surprise us since we associate carbon with charcoal. Scotts is more expensive, but its a higher quality product. Besides, you will get a natural and complete look at your landscape. I'm not sure I should use it in our vegetable garden. Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. Mulch is used to create a barrier between the soil underneath and the environment. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. It will cost you more money than Vigoro, but you know you are getting something that will yield results. (7 Possibilities), 6 Types of Grass in Hawaii (The Ultimate Guide), 9 Easy Ways to Cover a Pergola from Rain and Sun. Remember, though, that black mulches tend to reflect heat, so choose a lighter color if you live in a warm region and are concerned with overheating your plants. This is especially true in the rainy spring season. Not only this, when applied to a 3 inches layer, it will effectively protect your landscape from unnecessary weeds by blocking sunlight and their natural growth eventually. Required fields are marked *. Katie Melynn is a product reviewer for The Spruce who specializes in lifestyle and parenting writing. However, there is a big difference where longevity of color is concerned. This can help regulate the temperature of the soil and retain moisture, both beneficial to the roots of plants growing in the mulch. That said, if you just want an easy option that you can put down and forget about, the Vigoro rubber mulch delivers that. Leaves: 6-18 months. Canada. Pros: Protects freshly seeded areas, biodegradable, covers 500-square-feet, comes in a heavy-duty bag for easy storage. These fabrics offer great stability and prevent stones from sinking into soil. Besides, it offers good color retention to landscapes. Dyed mulch can be safe to use, depending on the wood source, but the dye used on colored mulch is less of a problem than the type of wood used. Now that you know the differences between Scotts vs. Vigoro mulch, its easier for you to pick the right mulch. Is dyed mulch safe for vegetable gardens? Helps prevents weeds.A 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch naturally helps prevents weed from sprouting and taking over the landscape by blocking their growth and access to sunlight. Email us at reviews@insider.com. The mulch, like other insects, does not cause termites to multiply; rather, it provides a conductive environment for those already in the area. In fact, iron oxide can be found in many cosmetic products while carbon black is virtually used in every consumer product that is made of rubber.M"}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Is black mulch toxic? Rubber mulch won't provide soil with organic material but will control weeds, and you don't need to replace it as often as wood. Depending on the material, it can also decompose and add essential nutrients to the soil. Mulch is a layer of nugget wood that is placed over soil to hold water and prevent weeds while also allowing air and nutrients to flow into the soil. Before adding more layers, remove as many of the old ones as possible. The Home Depot exclusively carries several major brands, including: Home Depot does not own Lowes, and instead, both are publicly owned and are entirely different companies that compete in the retail hardware and home improvement market. For those who prefer a more striking colorized option, Texas Native mulch does come in an EPA-approved, black-dyed option. We researched the best mulches available online, evaluating durability, composition type, and value. If the mulch still provides cover, you can reuse it for another season. However, this is a better quality product with a higher price tag. Where do I spend the remaining 4 hours? It comes with Scotts Color Advantage feature and retains color for a year. Rubber takes far longer than wood to degrade, so you can get around 10 years out of it before it needs replacing. 2002-2023 The Scotts Company LLC. Best Budget: Vigoro Premium Colorized Mulch. Mulching in the fall insulates your soil during the colder winter months. What is Vigoro brown mulch made from? Black mulch also does well in commercial areas due to its long-lasting color. Rubber mulch tends to be more expensive than its all-natural competitors but lasts for much longer. In the Consumer Reports test, rubber mulch burned much hotter and faster than wood mulch. productslearn more about So it can be challenging to choose one. Mulch is a natural material that is beneficial to plants and landscaping. BEST OVERALL: HOOPLE Garden Weed Barrier Landscape . Its cheaper to make mulch from scrap wood products than it is to use reclaimed forest materials. Straw: 1-2 years. ORGANIC MULCH: Wood Chips, Nuggets, or Bark Hardwood is best used around trees, shrubs, and perennial beds, whereas softwood (made of pine) is best used around large trees and shrubs. Enter a Melbet promo code and get a generous bonus, An Insight into Coupons and a Secret Bonus, Organic Hacks to Tweak Audio Recording for Videos Production, Bring Back Life to Your Graphic Images- Used Best Graphic Design Software, New Google Update and Future of Interstitial Ads. Blackstone 1554 Vs. 1866 Griddle: Which One Is Better For You? In this case Vigoro Rubber Mulch (reddish or brown your choice). Type: Organic | Use: Fertilization, moisture retention, bare spot repairing. Bagged Red Mulch. VIGORO Brown Mulch is a 100% premium wood mulch that will protect and enhance your landscape with a natural, finished look. moss-brown base that's characteristic of most spaces. Using organic mulch is a much better option, and there are many . It also does not break down over time. However, they are available in fertilizer stores, supermarkets, etc. Natural Mulch: Organic mulch is usually made from wood chips. That said, you will pay quite a bit more for it. Are you baffled between Scotts and Vigoro Mulch for your garden? Landscape fabric can also serve as a great base layer to protect against weeds; mulch can then be laid over top. Click to see full answer. The darker the mulch color, the better brightly colored flowers will stand out in your design. It is a very good conditioner for your soil. {"@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{"@type": "Question", "name": "Is black mulch treated with chemicals? Easy tips to discourage weeds in your lawn. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Scotts mulch is made of natural products. If low-maintenance options are your priority, Vigoro rubber mulch comes out on top. Price is another vital aspect of a product. We operate independently from our advertising team. Gardeners can use commercial mulch dyes to dye their own wood-based mulches with Do-It-Yourself Dyes. 99 $29.79 $29.79. Although it does break down eventually, it will last for years to come. However, the Plow & Hearth Perma Mulch Border creates a precise, neat edge to a garden bed. On the contrary, you can cover 8 square feet with one bag of Vigoro mulch, and with 6 bags, you can cover 48 square feet. What is the best grass seed for full sun? Waiting too long to mulch will mean that you have extra work to do to clear out any weeds that have already started to grow. Vigoro performed very similar to Scotts on the weed front and is much better for weed preventionr than weed killing. It lasts longer than organic because it doesn't decompose as readily. Scotts is a premium mulch brand that tries to differentiate itself from other brands. with a 12-month . It is also a finely shredded mulch, resulting in fewer large pieces that can wash away or get into your grass. The black rubber blends in well, helps keep the lighter compost in place, and is sturdy to combat harsh wind conditions. How to Use . I use mulch for bedding for my meet birds, the more broken down the better, left out in the elements for a couple seasons even, then it gets composted with the manure and becomes wonderful garden compost. The one exception to this is when your plants or garden experienced disease that you think is tied to the mulch. After coop use, I sweep into the run. Water's only part of what you need to fix those dead spots in your lawn and keep them from coming back. So, if you are concerned about the mulchs effectiveness as a decorative feature, this may be the better option. It does not prohibit the growth of weeds in garden beds. It truly is a universal color that you cant go wrong in picking. Your credit card on file will not automatically be charged following . After all, what exactly is black mulch made of? FibreDust's CoCo Mulch is made of 100% coconut husk, is nontoxic, and won't have to be replaced for up to three years. Is Lowes and Home Depot owned by the same company? + 1 778-244-4107 How long does vigoro premium red mulch last? It will create a protective barrier around your plants and over the soil to stabilize moisture and protects plants from drying. Home | About | Contact | Copyright | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap. And cedar has natural bug repellent properties, perfect for your garden!J"}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "What kind of mulch is toxic to dogs? Follow along to keep your yard up to date! Best Overall: Texas Native All-Natural Hardwood Mulch. Youll find it in most good gardening and DIY stores too, and even some supermarkets. Vigoro also sells a Premium Rubber Mulch, made from recycled rubber. Rubber could be a sensible choice, especially . In terms of longevity, this mulch is not the best performer out there. Thanks to Vigoro Lawn Fertilizer. How To Tell If Your Dog Has Carbon Monoxide Poisoning? Lets see what you will get from these mulches. Home Depot also owns many house brands, such as Husky, Hampton Bay, and LifeProof. Your email address will not be published. They offer a few different types of mulch, but they do not have a rubber mulch. If you scoop up a handful of mulch and it looks and feels more like soil, it is time to replace the mulch. This Cocoa Shell Mulch is derived from the shell of the cocoa bean. This is a great way to save money later on. Best for Landscaping: NuScape Rubber Mulch Nuggets. Both will last around 3-4 years before they break down and you need to spread more. What is Vigoro mulch made from? You will have to apply Scotts mulches around your trees, shrubs, flowers, and vegetables. Shop at Amazon The best inorganic mulch border. Your email address will not be published. If your dog, for some reason, ingests the fibres, they can be easily digested. The debris and chemical-free, untreated wood product helps conserve soil moisture, moderate soil temperature and prevent weeds naturally. - Control & Prevention. Scotts also gives you less coverage per bag around 6 square feet compared with the 8 square feet you get from Vigoro. The main difference between Vigoro and Scotts mulch is the material that they are made from. - TreeHozz.com tip treehozz.com. Somehow putting rubber or plastic pellets around natural vegetation just doesn't seem right. Like organic mulch, recycled rubber mulch helps retain soil moisture, moderates soil temperature and controls weeds. Pine is slightly more acidic, so it takes longer to decompose than other organic mulches. ", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "Carbon, used to produce black mulch, is an element often used for ink or paint. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Plus, do not use it around any growing plants. There is no need to remove old mulch; spread a new layer on top so old and new together reach the right depth for plants. Project Guide. It's perfect for all times of the year since it will prevent overheating in warm weather and insulate roots during the colder months. Mulches can be made of many different materialsthere arewood mulches, rock mulches, and synthetic mulches. There's even research on it. our process. No, Origin PC does not ship to the United Kingdom, but Ive devised a procedure that will, Albert Pujols early life and career Pujols was raised in Santo Domingo, Dominica, mostly by his grandmother, America Pujols, as well as ten of his, Most filters, on the other hand, have an arrow that indicates the fuel flow direction. hot www.homedepot.com. Made from forest products, Earthgro Mulch helps conserve soil moist. Cedar mulch is pet-friendly because it is finely shredded. When You Breathe In Your Diaphragm Does What? Vigoro offers a good line of natural wood mulch in different colors, and they also have a rubber mulch too. Most colored mulches are dyed with harmless dyes, like iron oxide-based dyes for red or carbon-based dyes for black and dark brown. Carol says. Learn what your lawn needs to look its best with our easy season. Some cheap dyes, however, can be dyed with harmful or toxic chemicals. Mulch doesn't necessarily attract termites, but can serve as an invite for them to feast on your house. It is more expensive, but you get better quality for the money. ", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "When it comes to the garden, organic and natural is the best way to go. Vigoro Premium Red Mulchs manufacturer claims that it can last up to 12 years. Chromium, Copper, and Arsenic are chemical compounds used to preserve wood. Lightly spray the straw so it stays intact and activates the bonding agent. Dyed mulches (black, red, green, and other colors) are usually made up of recycled wood waste (with a few exceptions). Best for Flower Beds: Soil Blend Super Compost 8 lbs. Vigoro is the cheaper option of the two. Product Overview. With ColorGuard Technology, Scotts mulch offers deeper and better colors. Mulch can help preserve soil moisture, block weeds, and enrich and improve the soil. So, here are some key differences between these two mulches: Scotts mulches can make your landscape beautiful and take care of it simultaneously. As the sun fades, regular mulch turns a gray shade. But remember, both mulches have to apply at 3 inches deep. What Happens if Grass Gets too Much Nitrogen? +5 options. You can also buy inorganic mulch, which could be made of fabric, plastic, rocks, pebbles, seashells, lava rocks, and rubber. Some vegetable growers have said that red mulch works wonders on certain fruits, and some say black mulch is the best at warming up the soil in winter. Among Home Depot customers only 50% gave Vigoro fertilizer a positive rating. Our land is covered in Pine trees. With ColorGuard technology, these mulches will never fade with time. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider This dyed wood mulch does not break down to enrich the soil as good mulch should. Youll find it on most online retailers including Amazon, Lowes, and Home Depot. Material is essentially non-flammable. Vigoro Red Mulch is a premium wood bagged mulch that protects and enhances your landscape, giving it a natural, finished appearance. Mulch made from old pallets tends to resist heavy rain. Nowadays, mulch colorants are made with either iron oxide (for red) or carbon black (for black), which are both safe for use in pets and humans. VIGORO Black Mulch is a 100% premium wood mulch that will protect and enhance your landscape with a natural, finished look. Long Leaf Pine Straw is a great option because it is inexpensive and allows water to pass through easily to get to your vegetables. Anoles skin color is changed by chromatophores cells, which are found beneath the anoles outer skin in separate layers. A 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch naturally helps prevents weed from sprouting and taking over the landscape by blocking their growth and access to sunlight. Because of its long-lasting color, black mulch also works well in commercial areas. Apply water after 24 hours to your colored mulches and see long-lasting color results. There are nearly as many varieties of mulch as there are plants. 4 What kind of wood is black mulch made of? Some cheap dyes, however, can be dyed with harmful or toxic chemicals. According to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, a good-quality black wood mulch is made up of hardwood chips dyed black with a carbon-based or iron oxide-based dye. Go Gamecocks! By creating a protective barrier around your plants and over soil, Vigoro mulch will help stabilize soil moisture, moderate soil temperatures, and protect plants from drying out. You may still get some weeds that pop through, but these can be easily removed by hand when needed. There are a lot of different mulch brands available, including Vigoro and Scotts. Instead, look for a natural alternative that is pet-safe. This comes with a guarantee that there are no construction materials (which can be found in mulch made from pallets) which can damage the soil. The Mosaic Company. But you need more information to pick up the right product. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Vigoro Brown Mulch. This organic option is made with cow manure, alfalfa meal, and pure earthworm castings. This premium low-maintenance shredded rubber mulch will . One bag of Scotts Mulch can cover 6 square feet of land, and with 6 bags, you can cover 36 square feet of land. It's easy to use and maintain and perfect for playgrounds and play areas. If your lawn is looking thin and worn, overseeding can help you get back to the thick, lush, green lawn you've always wanted. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 FAQS Clear - All Rights Reserved Like any mulch, compost helps soil retain moisture and regulate temperature. The composition of most black mulch is harmless to the vegetable plant. We mulch/chip them. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online. Mulch doesnt necessarily attract termites, but can serve as an invite for them to feast on your house. A good-quality black wood mulch is made up of hardwood chips that are dyed black, usually with a carbon black dye. If you want to reduce your yard maintenance, you may opt for this rubber mulch instead. Both bases for these dyes are considered natural, non-toxic and safe for handling.A"}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Which mulch is the safest? Check out our other backyard and gardening guides, Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. ", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "Any wood-based mulch is safe for your dog. 7 Beginner Friendly Wood Carving Projects, What Is Growing Out of My Palm Tree? Im very pleased with the results. . Type: Organic | Use: Soil regulation, weed suppression, moisture retention. These carbon-based colorants are similar to those used in ink and cosmetics. What kind of wood is black mulch made of? As a natural product, it'll start to break down by the end of the season. Concentrated Bag, Scotts Topsoil Lawn & Garden Soil Conditioner, GreenView Fairway Formula Seed Success Mulch, The 8 Best Mattresses for Allergies of 2023, The Best Potting Soils For Indoor Plant Enthusiasts, any material that is used to cover the soil. Keep mulch several inches from tree trunks and house . As a result, your soil remains hydrated, and weeds cannot grow. You need at least two to four inches of mulch to make an impact. "}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Is black mulch harmful? We researched these four garden mulches and added some testing notes to provide options for all of your gardening needs. Scotts Earthgro is a 1.5 cu ft. brown mulch. VIGORO Black Mulch is a 100% premium wood mulch that will protect and enhance your landscape with a natural, finished look. Wet mulch sticks as well, making it more difficult to spread and clean off the driveway in the end. The other great thing about rubber mulch is that it doesnt attract bugs and termites in the same way that wood mulch does. Pros: Nontoxic, low maintenance, can be used on sloped surfaces, adds some color to your garden, How to use: Hydrate with four gallons of water and each block will expand to two cubic feet of mulching medium. A thin layer of mulch may look good in the short term but, in the long term, it won't block the weeds or do much good to hold moisture in the soil. So, Vigoro mulches can cover more areas than Scotts. backyardproscontact@gmail.com If your dog, for some reason, ingests the fibres, they can be easily digested. Dyed brown or black mulches, on the other hand, can last a year or longer with little color loss in some products. Plastic, fabric, and rubber are usually made of . Called organic mulch, this type of mulch can help the soil quality as well as look great in your garden. Mulch color guide: Brown vs. black vs. red mulch. This mulch is a natural, biodegradable straw that has an applied bonding agent. Then, apply the straw until it's fully covered. The main differentiating feature is the ColorGuard Technology, which locks in the color and guarantees that it wont fade. It has a better moisture retention capability and directly prevents weeds from growing. Slight ammonia or fertilizer salt odors possible. Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. Laying mulch over the top of the soil will help with moisture retention, so you dont have to water plants as often. As your grass grows, the pellets break down naturally, leaving you with nothing but a lush lawn. On the contrary, Vigoro mulches are available in many colors. Mulchs main purpose is to help the soil retain moisture and prevent weed; Scotts mulches do those quite well.