Get the Dirt on Mulch: Why Your Landscape Needs It
- Brooke Brickman
- Apr 21, 2023
- 2 min read
Mulch is a simple and effective way to improve the health and appearance of your landscape. In this post, we'll explore some of the key benefits of adding mulch to any landscape.
1. Moisture Retention
The primary benefits of mulching is the ability to retain moisture in the soil. Mulch helps prevent the evaporation of water form the soil, which can be increasingly importantly during hot, dry water. What does this mean? You'll spend less time watering your plants, and in turn, your plants will be able to access moisture longer.
2. Weed Control
The fresh layer of mulch will also prevent weeds from growing. The mulch layer is blocking sunlight, which weeds require to grow, and also prevents them form accessing nutrients and moisture. Even more so, your plants won't have to compete with your weeds nutrients and resources. Wouldn't we all like to spend less time weeding?
3. Soil Temperature Regulation
During hot, dry, summer months, mulch can help regulate the soil tempurate. This is especially beneficial for plants that prefer cooler temperatures. On the opposing, in winter, mulch can help insulate the soil, protecting plant roots from the freezing temperatures.
4. Improved Soil Health
Mulch is an excellent source of organic matter. As the mulch breaks down, it adds nutrients to the soil, which can directly benefit your plants. It also helps promote soil microbe activity, which can help beak down organic matter and release nutrients for you plants to use.
5. Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal
If you've made it this far, perhaps you mulch every year for the aesthetic appeal, me too. Mulch comes in a large variety of offerings, matching any type of aesthetic. From bark, wood chips to rocks, either of these can be chosen to complement your existing landscape designs. A well-mulched landscape looks put together and tidy, and can create a more welcoming and attractive outdoor space.
In conclusion, mulching is an excellent way to improve health of your landscape and provide curb appeal. Mulching is a cost-effective and efficient solution form improving your soil health to weed control.
Expert recommendations: We recommend mulching your beds once per year. Typically, Spring or early Summer is optimal to add a layer of mulch, after the soil has warmed. However, a fresh layer of mulch in the fall can also help prepare your soil and plants for the winter months ahead.
Do you mulch every year?
Yes
No
I'm going to start
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