Hello, Michelle_co. I use newspaper to prevent weeds from coming out of the soil. The bottom layer of my mulched area is newspaper pages and they are topped with regular mulch.

As for shredding, I do not shred the newspaper at all... I just dump blocks of about 10-14 pages all over and cut around plants & stuff.

Because I have three dogs, I do not shred the paper and mix it with regular mulch. Not that they would eat the paper but rather the dogs' walking might cause newspaper pieces to be eventually be blown around. Nothing like a playful Golden Retriever or a German Shepherd to shake things off. If nothing can disturb the paper/mulch mix in your area then go for it!

Good luck,
Luis

Michelle,

One risk of newpaper anywhere is the toxic ink. In Colorado Springs, I think they are using a soy-based ink now. Other places may be doing this also. But it is worthwhile checking.

--Kris