Shreds, Reds and Stony Beds

Properly applied mulch can help retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds and control soil temperature.

"And it adds a very nice, tidy appearance to the landscape," said David Yost, a horticulturalist at Merrifield Garden Center in Fair Oaks.

Most mulches will get the job done, he said. Beyond that, choice comes down to personal preference among the variety of colors and textures available. "It's not like one is better or worse than others."

Yost said it's important that homeowners step outside and take a few measurements before heading to the garden supply store. "People often have no concept of the quantities and the volume they need." One cubic yard of mulch usually covers 100 square feet spread two to three inches deep. Coverage for inorganic mulches such as rock differ depending on the size of the material; Merrifield's Web site includes a calculator for estimating coverage, at http://www.merrifieldgardencenter.com/v.php?pg=373.

It pays to shop around. Price can vary considerably among retailers, and bulk discounts are often available.

Here's a look at what you can get for your money.

The Bargain

One of the easiest types of mulch to find -- not to mention the easiest on your pocketbook -- is plain shredded hardwood mulch. This type is the biggest seller at the Garden District, where it retails for $6.95 per three-cubic-foot bag, said John Moore, sales representative for the Washington garden center. It's also the most popular mulch at Merrifield, where it sells for $4.99 for a three-cubic-foot bag.

The Basic

If your budget allows you to spend just a bit more, one option to consider is finely shredded pine, which retails at Merrifield for $4.49 for a two-cubic-foot bag.

Its chief advantage over hardwood is color retention, Moore said. "Over time, the shredded hardwood does fade a bit. But the pine bark gets a deeper red. It's still going to hold up its color; in fact, it's going to get a little bit better."

Yost said pine bark mulch is his favorite, but he added that site conditions should be considered carefully. "It will tend to wash away. If you put it on a hillside, after a good heavy thunderstorm, your mulch is all down at the bottom of the hill," he said.

The Upgrade

Those willing to spend a bit more can buy one of the new color-enhanced wood mulches. Debra Mancuso of Maryland Ground Covers said that shredded hardwood that has been dyed black is her Glenelg company's most popular mulch. "The color lasts the longest," she said. Two cubic feet of color-enhanced mulch sells for $3.90 at Maryland Ground Covers, and $4.99 at Merrifield.

The Splurge

Those with the most generous budgets can choose from premium woods, such as cypress mulch ($6.99 per two cubic feet at Merrifield) and cedar ($5.99 per three cubic feet).

Also in this price range: mulch made from cocoa shells, which retails for $7.99 for two cubic feet at Merrifield. "It has a very dark color and a wonderful aroma," Yost said. "You just have to be cautious using it around dogs and cats."

Another option, albeit one that doesn't smell as delicious: polished stones and pebbles, which can also help keep moisture in the soil. Moore said that Garden District doesn't actively market rocks as a mulch, but that its customers do buy them for container and urban gardens. Garden District sells lava rock for $4.95 for a five-pound bag; smaller pebbles for $7.95; and large, polished stones, $13.99 for five pounds. Merrifield sells more than a dozen varieties of stone for $5.99 per 50-pound bag.

If you have a distaste for maintenance, an investment in these durable covers can pay off. "Rocks don't break down. It's here for the long haul," Moore said.