Are you wondering what mulch is? If you do know that mulch is essentially a layer of material used to cover soil, then you might be wondering what use it has. In this article, we’ll go over the types of mulch as well as the benefits. If you are looking for quality mulch in the Atlanta area, then look no further than Mulch-It. We are proud to have a variety of mulch, available in bulk as well. Call Mulch-It now or visit our location to see our selection for yourself. With that said, let’s dive in.
Mulch, in the most general sense, is any material that is used to cover soil. These materials range from inorganic ones such as gravel, rubber, and plastic to organic things like wood chips, pine bark, and even grass clippings. Organic mulch has more benefits for the soil itself, but inorganic mulch may be better for you, depending on your situation. Let’s get into the specific benefits.
Mulch Looks Good
This is not necessarily a valuable benefit, but we look after our yard and landscape for the aesthetics, at least partly. Mulch can add symmetry and color to your property.
Mulch Helps Prevent Erosion
Quality soil is expensive but is unfortunately vulnerable to erosion by wind and water. Mulch protects that valuable soil from the impact of heavy rain and strong winds. It is also a visual deterrent to keep food traffic and even heavy traffic off of the soil. This prevents soil compaction and root damage from machinery.
Mulch Moderates Soil Temperature
Temperatures naturally fluctuate throughout the year, but they also vary throughout the day. Mulch will keep soil warmer during the nights and cooler when the sun is shining bright. This will protect your plants from the harsh cold of the winter and the extreme heat of the summer.
Mulch Retains Moisture
Watering your plants, shrubs, and trees is a chore that is only fun for the first few minutes. If you want to get the most out of your watering, then mulch it! Mulch protects against evaporation and helps maintain moisture, keeping your plants, shrubs, and trees hydrated.
Mulch Suffocates Weeds
If you do not like to deal with weeds, then consider mulch. A blanket of mulch about three inches deep will smother weeds and keep them from germinating. Weeds that do make it out will be easy to pull as their roots won’t go deep into the soil.
Organic mulch such as wood chips, bark, and straw will eventually decompose – as organic materials do. When they break down, they release nitrogen and other nutrients into the soil. These are wonderful for your plants, shrubs, and trees. These even encourage earthworms to move in. As you know, seeing earthworms is a sign of healthy soil as they dig tunnels to bring in air and water into the soil and their excrement acts as fertilizer.
Come See Our Selection of Mulch
If you are interested in taking advantage of the benefits of mulch, then come visit Mulch-It to see our selection of mulch. Our staff are always happy to help you choose the best mulch for your plants, shrubs, and trees.
