You might be surprised to learn that mulch has been around for a long time. Archeologists have discovered that more than 10,000 years ago, people used rocks and other natural spreadable material to cover garden areas to inhibit weed growth and maintain the condition of the soil.
Fast forward to today, and the array of mulch choices is a sign that people desire and understand how to use mulch in their landscaping and gardens.
It’s easy to understand why using mulch is nearly a requirement in landscaped areas and gardens. Applying mulch has many benefits. These benefits include:
- Keeping the temperature of the soil at a desirable level for faster plant growth
- Maintaining the amount of water in the dirt since mulch retains moisture
- Improve the ground by suppressing weeds
- Keeping plant roots protected from harsh conditions
- A layer of mulch improves the look and beauty of vegetable gardens and flower beds
Mulched areas of your property have many benefits and practically no drawbacks.
How to use mulch to foster plant growth
Many plants thrive when the soil around their roots is nutrient-rich, and the temperature of the soil is consistent and warm.
By spreading mulch in your garden bed, both of these conditions are met. The mulch adds a layer of insulation to the soil allowing for more consistent temperature management.
Mulch is also known to suppress weeds and prevents weed seeds from entering the earth. This is a massive benefit because weeds rob nutrients from the soil and prevent other plants from thriving.
How to use mulch to conserve water
Another significant advantage of using wood chips or mulch in a landscaped area or garden is that the mulch can help save water.
Mulch conserves water in several ways. The water in the soil below the mulch is protected from evaporation by the layer of mulch above. Also, organic mulches retain moister and release that moisture over time into the soil. It’s worth noting that inorganic mulches, like rubber mulches, do not retain moisture as well or at all.
Protecting plants with mulch
In addition to keeping the condition of the soil around plants healthy, mulch also protects plants.
By creating a barrier between the soil and the air above, plant roots are protected from harsh conditions like scorching sunlight. This protection can help plants grow faster and bigger.
The interesting connection between landscape beauty and plant health
First of all, we will tell you that a beautifully landscaped area is incredibly desirable. Many people wonder if there’s a relationship between how beautiful your landscape or garden is and how healthy your plants are.
That connection is something we think about all the time when we are called for mulch delivery. It seems that people who take the time to get mulch delivered and placed in their yards are also people who take better care of their plants.
So, while there is a lot of scientific evidence that spreading mulch is a benefit to your plants, there is also a less tangible benefit. If you are a person who cares enough about your property to apply mulch, you are probably also a person who takes better care of your plants. And those plants will be healthier overall.
We like that.