Nothing spruces up landscaping like a fresh layer of mulch. But mulch is so much more than the color and texture it adds. Organic mulches have may natural benefits. They:
- Retain moisture
- Help suppress weed growth
- Act as an insulator
- Help prevent soil compaction and even encourage the presence of natural aerators, like earthworms
Organic mulch can be made of many materials, most common being shredded bark and wood chips. With a variety of colors, hardwood mulch can coordinate with and enhance any landscape.
With any organic material, mulch has a shelf life. It wears out from sun exposure, rain, landscape clean up, decomposition, and erosion.
Before you dive in to your next mulching project, keep the following tips in mind.
Apply mulch two times per year, in the Spring when temperatures begin to rise and again in the Fall when temperatures begin to drop.
Mounding mulch around tree trunks is a big no-no. This common mistake can lead to bark rot, disease, and insect problems. Create a well around tree trunks with the mulch higher at the outside edges to keep mulch away from the trunk and help distribute water more efficiently to the root system.
Less is more. Too thick of a layer of mulch encourages plants to grow shallow roots, leaving them more susceptible to drought conditions. A 2-3” thick layer is a good reference.
Our award-winning team of lawn care experts can transform your commercial property and prepare it for the winter months ahead.
Questions about mulch or landscaping in general?
Contact us today, to find out more about our landscape maintenance services.
