Earlier crops can be produced with the clear and, to a lesser degree, black plastic mulch because of the warming of the soil. They are used more frequently as a winter mulch for protection. They are not long-lasting and frequently contain weed seeds. Coastal Bermuda hay is propagated vegetatively and is an excellent hay mulch. Ages or partially rotted sawdust makes a satisfactory mulch that lasts a long time.
Wood chips can last about two years.
Like bark mulch, woodchips can be a vector for termites. For additional information on mulches, see Extension bulletin 816, Composting and Mulching, available from your county Extension office. The University of Georgia and Ft. Valley State College, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and counties of the state cooperating. The Cooperative Extension Service offers educational programs, assistance and materials to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability.