Few things are more frustrating than a messy front yard. In addition to disrupting your curb appeal, overgrown, messy landscaping can also harbor pests and make it look like you don't care about your property. Fortunately, tidying up your yard doesn't have to be difficult. I have spent years learning more about landscaping, and this blog is all about how to become a landscaping enthusiast. Check out these articles about fun topics like planting flowers, perfecting pruned trees, and decorating your yard with whimsical additions. After you know more about landscaping, your yard might become the talk of the town.
Mulch is one of the best tools for providing an instant improvement in both the health and appearance of your landscape. Understanding the purpose of the different mulch options, along with how to use them, helps ensure that you get the most out of this garden miracle.
Purpose
Reasons for mulching can vary, and for most applications, more than one reason exists. Common reasons include the following:
For example, mulching beneath a tree will prevent weeds from growing while also conserving water. The mulch also protects the surface roots from lawnmowers, since there is no need to mow beneath a mulched tree. If an organic mulch like bark is used, the soil will also improve in quality and nutrient level as the mulch decomposes.
On the other hand, in a rock garden, an inorganic mulch material like rocks may be chosen because it allows better drainage, prevents weeds, and helps keep the soil warmer because the rocks absorb heat.
Type
Mulch comes in two main types: organic and inorganic. Organic mulches decompose over time, which benefits the soil but does mean they must be replenished annually. Wood chips, bark nuggets, pine needles, and straw are examples of the most commonly used organic mulches. Wood and bark are typically used in ornamental plantings such as flower beds and around trees. Pine needles are reserved for ornamental plants that prefer acidic soil, such as many evergreens. Straw is used as winter protection or in vegetable gardens.
Inorganic mulch refers to any type of gravel or rock mulch. Choices range from small pea gravel to large river stones or quartz nuggets. Generally, the larger the gravel the better the drainage, while smaller gravel is better suited to weed control. Gravel is best for areas that won't be planted, such as paths, or in rock gardens or beds featuring drought-tolerant plants that need well-drained soil and warmth.
Application
Successful application requires that all unwanted plants and weeds are fully removed before the mulch is installed. For gravel mulches, a weed-blocking fabric must also be laid first. This fabric prevents weed growth, but it also keeps the gravel from mixing into the soil below. Organic mulches are meant to slowly decompose into the soil, so no fabric is needed.
Mulch should be laid in a layer at least 3 inches thick if it is to have the best weed suppression capabilities. Rake it level; you don't want it piled up around stems or trunks — it's best to leave a little space between mulch and a plant. As organic mulch breaks down, it can be replenished to maintain its depth.
Contact a mulching service if you need more help.
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