Retaining Soil Moisture
Mulch is an effective tool for retaining moisture in the soil for plants. It works by creating a protective barrier against evaporation, which is crucial for maintaining optimal soil hydration for plant health and growth, especially during dry periods. Mulching helps retain moisture in the soil, reducing the need for frequent watering.
Surpressing Weeds
Mulch suppresses weeds by blocking the sunlight from hitting the soil. This is important because weed seeds exist in all soil. All the weed seeds need is a little sunlight and a little water to germinate. Interesting fact: Weed seeds can sit in the soil for decades waiting for the opportunity to germinate.
Regulating Soil Temperature
Mulch regulates soil temperature, keeping roots cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This is important because soil temperatures affect seed germination, root development, nutrient uptake and microbial activity.
Improving Soil Quality
Soil is a complex mixture of minerals, organic matter, water, air and living organisms. Organic mulches improve our clay soil quality as they break down, adding valuable nutrients.
Erosion Prevention
Mulch minimizes the impact of rain and wind on the soil surface, helping to prevent soil erosion and maintain soil structure.
Visual Appeal
It enhances the visual appeal of planting beds, giving gardens a neat, tidy, professionally maintained, and finished look.
Our Mulch Application Process
Types of Mulch
There are dozens of different kinds of mulch, organic, and inorganic. We use non-colored shredded bark mulch for most projects. It does not fade, adds organic nutrients to the soil, and looks natural.
Application
Late Spring after the soil thaws and Fall before the soil freezes are the best times to add mulch to planting beds.
The appropriate amount of mulch to apply to planting beds initially is 2-3 inches.
When applying mulch in planting beds, start about one inch or so away from the base of the plant. As the mulch breaks down, only one inch or so on top of last year’s mulch is
necessary.
An important tip when mulching around the base of trees: mulch should NOT be piled up against the bark of the tree (called a mulch volcano), it should also start about three
inches away.
Landscape Fabric
Landscape fabric often fails over time by restricting water, air, and nutrients to the soil, leading to unhealthy plants. Weeds inevitably grow on top of it, creating difficult-to-
remove roots.
The Advantages of Mulch are Clear!
Adding mulch to planting beds and trees will help your plants thrive and make your
outdoor space easier to care for and enjoy all season long. If you’re looking to improve your outdoor space, contact us today. Our team is here to help.