I'm in Michigan.
I've always mulched with shredded hardwood.
Initially I rototilled, laid heavy duty weed mat down & anchored. I laid out a brick walkway, some trees, and a few boulders. When I plant, I just cut an "x" in the weed mat.
The weed mat & 4" of hardwood mulch have reduced my work load tremendously.
It's been 31 years. The wood chips are replenished every 4 years or so.
As the garden fills in, I find I need less wood chips.
Sure, it's hard work at first, but if you take time to plan it all out and think about what you want to accomplish, its easy sailing later.
