The Important Benefits of Using Mulch
You might wonder, “What does mulch do?” Understanding its benefits can transform your gardening experience. One significant advantage is helping your soil retain moisture. It can prevent the top layer from drying out too quickly. This means you will water less frequently while maintaining a healthy garden. Moreover, mulch helps regulate soil temperature. During hot summers, it keeps the ground cooler, and during cold winters, it acts as an insulating blanket. This protection is particularly beneficial for root systems.
Selecting the Right Type of Mulch
There are various types of mulches available to suit different gardening needs. Organic options such as wood chips and compost enrich the soil as they decompose, delivering nutrients to plants. Inorganic choices like plastic sheeting or gravel are effective for weed control and moisture retention but do not offer nutritional benefits.
- Wood Chips: Great for trees and shrub beds.
- Compost: Ideal for vegetable gardens and flower beds.
- Plastic Sheeting: Best used in vegetable gardens for moisture retention and weed suppression.
- Gravel or Stones: Suitable for decorative pathways and rock gardens.
The Best Time to Apply Mulch
Applying mulch at the right time makes a big difference. For most plants, early spring is an ideal time, before weeds start to germinate. However, in colder climates, mulching in late fall protects plant roots from frost damage over winter. Avoid piling mulch too close to plant stems. Doing so could promote rot by trapping moisture against the base of the plants or trees.
What Does Mulch Do?: Expert Insights
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What does mulch do?” you’ll understand its value in improving garden health and aesthetics. At Fresh Start Landscaping, we provide expert advice on selecting and applying mulch that fits your specific needs in Beaverton, OR. Contact us today at (971) 309-3323 to learn more about how mulching can benefit your landscape projects.