Why Use Mulch?

There are many types of mulching materials to suit your needs. Each type has its benefits and will help to make your yard beautiful. Mulch can be organic or inorganic and is spread on the surface soil around trees and shrubs.

Organic Mulch

Organic mulches tend to be the healthiest for your plants because they break down over time, releasing vital nutrients into the soil. Organic mulches include yard trimmings, newspaper, wood chips or straw. Inorganic mulch includes plastic, gravel or stone and crushed glass which do not decompose. There are many benefits of properly applying either organic or inorganic mulch to your trees.

Mulching prevents weeds

Mulching prevents weeds from growing in the area to which it is applied. The mulch will stop weeds from coming into contact with the soil, preventing growth. If a thick layer of mulch is applied then it will block the sunlight that the weed seeds need to germinate.

Mulch improves the fertility and structure of the soil beneath. Mulching protects the surface soil from being eroded by rain water while acting as a sponge that absorbs it. It also provides an environment for earthworms and encourages the growth of organisms that improve the fertility of the soil.

Mulch reduces root competition

Applying mulch reduces root competition from plants or grass that are growing nearby. A living mulch, like a ground cover, will help to reduce competition from other surrounding plants.

A layer of mulch will prevent moisture loss by reducing the amount of sunlight that reaches and heats the soil. It also reduces evaporation which allows for less watering during the hot summer months and helps to save on your water bill.

Mulch will act as an insulation layer that protects tree roots from extreme temperatures. Soil that has had mulch applied to it is warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

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