Mulch Madness - Ask Extension
Hi, I'm trying to find a good mulch in zone 6b, (metro Detroit). I have read things that suggest a shredded hardwood mulch would be good for a backyar...
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Mulch Madness #932597
Asked May 22, 2026, 12:48 PM EDT
Hi, I'm trying to find a good mulch in zone 6b, (metro Detroit). I have read things that suggest a shredded hardwood mulch would be good for a backyard pollinator garden like mine, as long as I leave some bare patches of dirt for ground dwelling bees. Finding shredded, mulch hasnt worked out for me, so I thought I would stop searching and ask for some help that is actually helpful! Can you please offer suggestions for the appropriate type of product(s) to use that are available in the near west side of Detroit suburbs? I have a section of the garden for shade perennials that like moist, fertile soil. The rest is full sun and consists of plants that prefer more dry, less nutrient rich soil. Thank you!
Wayne County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello
MSU Extension doesn’t endorse brands or retailers, so we do not maintain lists of suppliers.
Try searching for mulch using the term “mulch fines” which is a finely shredded mulch from bark or pine needles.
Another search to find suppliers themselves is “landscape suppliers Wayne county MI” About a 20 came up when I tried this search.
You should be able to find mulch in bags at garden supply stores and big box stores
Examples are Lowe’s, English Gardens. (MSU Extension doesn’t endorse these stores, they are just examples for you.)
Landscape suppliers can offer mulch by the yard, which is delivered by truck and dumped in or near your driveway for you to use.
Wood products are a good choice and come shredded, chipped, and nugget form. Here is a bulletin that discusses the various products, and gives even more detail about their advantages-
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/ec-1629-mulching-woody-ornamentals-organic-materials
Some suppliers have a mulch called pine straw, which is pine needles often from long needle pines. It usually comes from southern states, and so can be more expensive than wood mulches that are sourced from nearby.
Cocoa hulls or other nut hulls/shells are another popular mulch. However, these may be a hazard to your dog if he/she has access to the mulch https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/cocoa_mulch_and_dogs
While this bulletin discusses vegetable garden mulches, most of these selections are fine for other garden beds- https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/vegetable_gardeners_make_use_of_organic_mulch_as_a_sustainable_and_smart_pr
Mulching gardens that prefer drier soil is still a good idea as it can help suppress weeds from sprouting and keeps soil at an even temperature in very hot summer weather.
As the season progresses there is less selection since suppliers may wait to restock their mulch supply. Right now should be the largest selection of choices in stores.
MSU Extension doesn’t endorse brands or retailers, so we do not maintain lists of suppliers.
Try searching for mulch using the term “mulch fines” which is a finely shredded mulch from bark or pine needles.
Another search to find suppliers themselves is “landscape suppliers Wayne county MI” About a 20 came up when I tried this search.
You should be able to find mulch in bags at garden supply stores and big box stores
Examples are Lowe’s, English Gardens. (MSU Extension doesn’t endorse these stores, they are just examples for you.)
Landscape suppliers can offer mulch by the yard, which is delivered by truck and dumped in or near your driveway for you to use.
Wood products are a good choice and come shredded, chipped, and nugget form. Here is a bulletin that discusses the various products, and gives even more detail about their advantages-
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/ec-1629-mulching-woody-ornamentals-organic-materials
Some suppliers have a mulch called pine straw, which is pine needles often from long needle pines. It usually comes from southern states, and so can be more expensive than wood mulches that are sourced from nearby.
Cocoa hulls or other nut hulls/shells are another popular mulch. However, these may be a hazard to your dog if he/she has access to the mulch https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/cocoa_mulch_and_dogs
While this bulletin discusses vegetable garden mulches, most of these selections are fine for other garden beds- https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/vegetable_gardeners_make_use_of_organic_mulch_as_a_sustainable_and_smart_pr
Mulching gardens that prefer drier soil is still a good idea as it can help suppress weeds from sprouting and keeps soil at an even temperature in very hot summer weather.
As the season progresses there is less selection since suppliers may wait to restock their mulch supply. Right now should be the largest selection of choices in stores.
