- Totally agree, fighting nature just wears you out.
- I tried the “perfect lawn” thing for a while—just ended up with more weeds and less patience.
- Glass mulch is interesting, but I’d worry about pets or kids getting into it.
- Anyone tried using wood chips or gravel instead? Curious if they keep critters away as well.
I’ve used wood chips for a few years now—great for moisture, but I still see squirrels digging around. Gravel’s low-maintenance, but it can get hot in the summer and doesn’t break down into soil. Has anyone experimented with mixing mulch types or layering them? Wondering if that helps with weeds or critters.
Mixing mulch types actually worked pretty well for me—tried a layer of cardboard, then wood chips, then a thin gravel topping. The cardboard really helped with weeds, and the gravel kept things looking tidy. Squirrels still poked around, but less than before. It’s not a magic fix, but layering does seem to help a bit.
“Squirrels still poked around, but less than before. It’s not a magic fix, but layering does seem to help a bit.”
- Love the cardboard trick—seriously underrated for weed control.
- I’ve tried the gravel topping too, but my dog thinks it’s a racetrack... not ideal for aesthetics.
- Ever tried cocoa hulls? Smells like brownies for a week, then just looks cool.
- Squirrels are basically tiny demolition crews. If you find a way to keep them out for good, let me know.
Squirrels are basically tiny demolition crews. If you find a way to keep them out for good, let me know.
Wire mesh under the mulch layer helps a bit—less digging, but not perfect. Cocoa hulls look great at first, but I had a client’s dog eat some and get sick, so I’m not a fan for pet owners. The cardboard trick is solid for weeds though. Honestly, nothing’s totally squirrel-proof... they’re relentless.