Mulch adds benefits, beauty to landscape

Expert guidance

What central Ohio experts use as mulch:

• Tracy DiSabato-Aust, gardening author, lecturer, designer: "I don't use a lot of mulch, but when I do, . . . I normally use very fine pine bark. It works well as a soil amender; it works right into the soil."
• Gary Gao, associate professor with the Ohio State University Extension in Delaware County: "I typically use bark-based mulch, hardwood or pine bark."
• Debra Knapke, gardening author, lecturer, designer: "I use different mulches for different reasons": leaf mold and mushroom compost in ornamental beds; composted hardwood in a conifer garden; well-composted animal manures and alfalfa hay in vegetable gardens.
• Bert Vonderahe, landscape instructor, Columbus State Community College: "I use pine fines. They do everything mulch should do. They look good, break down well, smell nice and aren't real expensive."