Mulch, simply put, is a protective barrier of material that is evenly spread on top of the soil. There are many advantages to applying mulch to your yard, let’s look at some of them.
Moisture Retention
Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil by limiting the amount of evaporation from the soil’s surface and can reduce water use by as much as 25-50%. Plants that have constant levels of adequate moisture are less likely to become stressed, which means they are better able to resist insects and diseases.
Temperate Control
Mulch serves as an insulating layer for the soil that regulates changes in soil temperature. This will help keep soils warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Weed Suppression
Mulch helps block sunlight from reaching germinating weeds so that they aren’t able to grow as well as adding a barrier that is difficult for weeds to grow through. There is an opportunity for weed seeds to blow in and germinate on top of the mulch, but since the weeds aren’t deeply rooted in the soil they will be easier to remove.
Adds Soil Nutrients
As organic mulches, such as cypress mulch or pine bark, decompose on top of the soil they release vital nutrients into the soil. These nutrients help to feed the plants and organisms that exist in the area covered with mulch. This broken down organic matter will also improve the structure of the soil by adding space between soil particles. This added space will help better supply the plant roots with the needed water, oxygen, and nutrients because the roots aren’t compressed in compacted soil.
Prevents Soil Erosion
The protective layer that mulch provides helps protects against rainwater that will wash away your valuable soil.
Encourages Earthworms
Organic mulch encourages earthworms to move into your plant beds. Earthworms are great for soil structure and nutrient cycling.
Visual Appeal
Mulch can help add a colorful finishing touch on what otherwise would look like an unfinished project. A beautiful, properly manicured landscape can add as much as 15% to the property value of your home.
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