What are the benefits of using mulch?
Aesthetics
A tidy layer of mulch in the landscape creates an air of neatness and order. It creates the type of instant curb appeal that will cause people to do a double take when they drive past your property. Maybe you're hosting a graduation party this summer and you want your yard to look beautiful- refreshing your mulch beds is a great way to do this!
Weed Control
A thick layer of mulch will help to prevent unwanted plants from popping up. Weeds and grasses cannot find sunlight when they’re trapped in mulch, and the mulch provides a physical barrier keeping them down. It's impossible to prevent weeds completely, but weeds that appear in mulch beds are often easier to pull than weeds in rock beds. We do not recommend using fabric or plastic under mulch as it is not effective.
Soil Nutrients
Mulch slowly breaks down over time. This decaying process releases key nutrients into the soil. As a result, tree and plant roots have access to new nutrients on a consistent basis. While this is absolutely beneficial to your yard, it can also be considered a drawback because it means the mulch needs to be replenished periodically.
Shade and Temperature Control
Mulch creates shade for the soil. As the summer sun beats down, soil quickly dries out, which can cause the ground to become parched and dusty. Plants and trees may suffer due to drought and become vulnerable to other damage without ample mulch on the soil to keep the moisture in. The ground remains cooler with the mulch, and the moisture doesn’t evaporate as quickly and easily as it does without mulch.
Soil Compaction
Roots cannot spread in a healthy way when the soil is compacted or too dense. Mulch protects the roots from any foot traffic and protects the soil from compaction. Roots of all sizes can easily move through the ground and find the nutrients they require. Mulch breaks up clay and allows better water and air movement through the soil.