About Mulching

Bad Mulch Application

About Mulching
Mulch is any material (organic or inorganic) covering the ground to retain moisture, moderate soil temperature, suppress weed growth and help reduce soil erosion.

Retain Moisture
Mulch allows water to pass into the soil and slows the evaporation rate, conserving the moisture the plant receives.

Moderate Soil Temperature
Mulch at the proper thickness reduces the extremes of the soil temperature by keeping the soil cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Suppress Weeds
Mulches can help reduce the germination and growth of many weeds, but contrary to our desires, mulches generally won't kill weeds.

Reduce Soil Erosion
Mulches can help reduce erosion by reducing the velocity and concentration of the water by distributing it over a broader area. Selecting an effective erosion control material is important, so come into our store and we can advise you on what would work for your situation. If we don't have it, we'll refer you to someone that does.
Other benefits from organic mulching.
Mulches will improve the soil structure over time, and will add nutrients to the soil as they decompose.

Proper Application of Mulch
Mulches should be spread approximately 3 inches thick on the soil between the planted material. Avoid piling-up the mulch on the plant stems or tree trucks, or putting in more than 5 inches of mulch, this could cause stem rot and/or limit the plants intake of oxygen.
 

Good Mulch Application