As Landscape enthusiasts, we often find ourselves navigating the world of landscaping to enhance the health and aesthetics of our outdoor spaces. One fundamental practice that stands out in its simplicity yet powerful impact is mulching. In this blog post, we'll explore the myriad benefits of mulching and delve into the different types of mulch to help you make informed choices for your garden.
Why do we mulch?
1. Moisture Retention:
Mulch acts as a natural moisture retainer, reducing water evaporation from the soil. This is especially beneficial during dry spells or in areas with inconsistent rainfall, helping to maintain optimal soil moisture levels for plant health.
2. Weed Suppression:
One of the most appreciated benefits of mulching is its ability to suppress weeds. By creating a barrier over the soil, mulch inhibits weed growth, minimizing the need for time-consuming weeding sessions.
3. Temperature Regulation:
Mulch acts as a natural insulator, regulating soil temperature by keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This temperature stability creates a more conducive environment for plant roots.
4. Soil Enrichment:
As organic mulch breaks down over time, it contributes valuable nutrients to the soil. This natural decomposition enhances soil fertility and structure, promoting a healthier growing environment for plants.
5. Erosion Prevention:
Mulch provides a protective layer that helps prevent soil erosion caused by heavy rain or strong winds. This is particularly crucial on slopes or in areas with vulnerable soil.
6. Aesthetics:
Fresh mulch looks great. Nothing says spring quite like those freshly cleaned and mulched landscape beds.
What kind of mulch to use.
1. Double Shredded Hardwood:
Selander Landscape's go to mulch is a double shredded hardwood mulch, usually dyed brown, though sometimes a natural or black is proffered by clients. This mulch lasts all season, doesn't blow or wash away too easily, and provides all of the benefits listed above. I also think this is the best looking mulch out of the bunch
2. Wood Chips:
Wood chips are slightly better for the soil and plants than double shredded hardwood, but can be less aesthetically pleasing. They do a great job of retaining soil moisture and replenishing soil nutrients. In the right style landscape these can be a very cost efficient (sometimes free from local arborists) and effective mulch.
3. Pine Straw:
A very popular mulch in some areas, pine straw looks and smells great when installed. I don't think pine straw holds up as well as either of the above options and is prone to blowing and washing away, as well as degrading quickly throughout the season.
4. Gravel or Rock:
While not organic, gravel or rock can be used for decorative purposes and to retain soil moisture. However, they don't contribute to soil enrichment and may increase soil temperature. I do not typically suggest gravel or rock mulch except in certain cases such as a xeriscape or an area where natural mulch erodes too quickly. A benefit is that they do not need to be replenished annually like the above mulches.
5. Pine Bark:
A popular mulch sold in bags from big box stores, pine fines or pine nuggets are another choice for mulching your landscape beds with a unique aesthetic. The fines and bark are great for soil enrichment but pose some problems compared to other mulch options. I find that the nuggets float away and migrate out of beds readily. Pine fines are naturally hydrophobic, so they can prevent water getting to the roots of plants where it is needed.
Bonus Mulch
The very best mulch for soil moisture, temperature regulation and soil replenishment is somewhat unsurprisingly, the very thing mother nature has been using as mulch since deciduous trees popped up on Earth - Leaves. Unfortunately they do not meet most clients' aesthetic standards, they blow away far too easily and break down too rapidly to be an effective mulch in the landscape. Leaving leaves in forested areas is a great practice for those who have a forest type situation.
Making the Right Choice and application tips
Choosing the right mulch depends on factors such as your garden's specific needs, aesthetic preferences, and local climate. Consider the longevity, nutrient content, and visual appeal of each mulch type before making a decision.
No matter what mulch you choose be sure to remove all weeds and buildup of old mulch before applying your new mulch. Re-cut or clean up you bed edges, pick up and blow all remaining debris. Spread mulch evenly through your beds between 2 and 4 inches thick. Any more than this can be detrimental to plant health. Be sure to keep mulch off of plant stems and tree trunks, do not pile it around plants and trees like you commonly see with 'Mulch volcanoes'. Use the back of the rake to smooth the mulch out and sprinkle some pre-emergent herbicide on top to keep weeds at bay for even longer than mulching alone. Blow around the edges to clean up and enjoy your fresh landscape!
Thanks For Reading,
Michael Selander
Selander Landscape
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