What Does Mulch Do?

Landscaping involves a perfect blend of beauty and functionality. If you’re looking to amplify the health and charm of your property, consider the benefits of mulch. This often-underestimated landscaping feature serves as a protective barrier for your soil while enhancing the aesthetics of your garden. Mulch can work wonders in transforming your outdoor space, especially when applied by a professional team like Cutting Edge Landscaping. We’re here to help you learn whether mulch may be the right solution to your landscaping needs.

Prevent Weeds

Do weeds keep appearing in your garden no matter how often you remove them? Applying mulch can mitigate their growth. By carefully spreading a thin yet highly effective layer of mulch, you can suppress those pesky invaders, ensuring that your garden beds remain tidy. Scientific studies have demonstrated that when mulching is combined with herbicide application, the need for tiresome weeding and cultivation is dramatically reduced. However, it’s important to remember that not all mulch is created equal. Make sure the mulch you choose doesn’t contain weed seeds, and distribute it evenly at the appropriate depth to effectively prevent the germination of any existing weed seeds in the soil.

Retain Moisture

If you’re finding that the sunniest areas of your property tend to dry out, mulch may be the right solution. Mulch provides a protective barrier for your soil, keeping it safe from the harsh elements. By generously covering your soil with a protective layer of mulch, you can substantially decrease the rate of moisture evaporation by an impressive 10 to 50 percent. Whether it’s the foundation plantings, trees, or delicate flower beds, mulch ensures that moisture remains precisely where it is needed most.

Protect Against Temperature Extremes

The remarkable benefits of mulch extend far beyond the warmer months. In fact, mulch is effective in safeguarding your soil throughout the colder seasons. By creating a cozy and protective blanket over the soil, mulch helps keep warmth beneath its layer. This becomes especially crucial during those sudden and drastic temperature shifts that can wreak havoc on your garden’s ecosystem. In colder weather, mulch prevents the soil from a harmful cycle of freezing and thawing, which could potentially dislodge and displace your plants and their roots.

Types of Mulches to Choose From

With the benefits of mulch in mind, you should be aware of the different types of muscles to use in your landscaping design:

• Organic Mulches such as shredded bark and compost not only conserve water but also enhance soil health with their decomposing nature.
• Synthetic Mulches, which include rocks and plastic sheeting, offer an aesthetic appeal while creating a semi-permeable barrier, although their use may limit normal soil activities.
• Dyed Mulches, popular since the 1960s and available in a variety of colors, lend a unique visual appeal to your garden, although they should be used in gardens with strictly non-edible plants.
• Living Mulches, including plants like crimson clover and lemon balm, offer a dual benefit of enhancing soil health below and contributing to design aesthetics above, making them a perfect choice for fruit tree surroundings.

Achieve Your Landscaping Goals

From fighting weeds to retaining moisture, mulch is an excellent addition to any landscape. It not only improves the health of your outdoor spaces but also adds a touch of elegance and finesse. At Cutting Edge Landscaping, we understand your property’s unique needs and can help you make the most of this landscaping feature. Contact us today to discuss your vision, and let us help you make it a reality.