I used to buy bark mulch every year because it looked “nice.” But it did almost nothing for weeds, and by August, my soil was still dry and cracked. Then a local master gardener told me: “Switch to shredded hardwood, not bark. It’s heavier, breaks down slower, and feeds the soil.” He wasn’t kidding. After switching, I saw: 80% fewer weeds Soil stayed moist even during heatwaves Earthworms everywhere (a good sign) Almost no fungus gnats The real bonus? Hardwood mulch creates a “microclimate” under the surface that keeps roots cool. My hydrangeas finally stopped wilting every afternoon. Plus, it’s usually cheaper because cities give it away after tree removals. #Gardening #Mulch