During the summer, you have plenty to focus on with your business, so you don’t want to worry about your grass drying out, your plants shriveling up, or your landscape looking terrible. Yet, such fears plague many commercial property managers because they aren’t prepared for the summer months. Mulch could be the answer you need to protect your landscape!

Mulch is more than just a type of potting mix. It’s a soil-saving superhero that can dramatically enhance your lawn and keep trees and plants thriving at the hottest time of year.

Why Summer Is Hard on Plants

Plants shift into survival mode in response to rising temperatures. Their leaves may yellow, shrivel, or shrink as they strive to conserve as much energy as possible. Intense sunlight and grueling temperatures can also dry out soil, depriving plants of essential nutrients and water. The result can be a lackluster landscape that doesn’t add curb appeal to your business.

To combat issues like soil compaction, nutrient leaching, and water evaporation, you can turn to mulch as an eco-friendly and long-lasting solution.

How Mulch Saves the Day for Your Business’s Landscape

You’ve invested hard-earned money into your property, and it deserves to stay beautiful year-round. Mulch is a great way to strengthen the health of your plants throughout the summer without overwatering or using too much fertilizer.

By applying the right type of mulch around the base of trees and plant beds, you can protect the precious root systems underground. The mulch acts like a blanket on top of the soil and provides a lot of nutrients on its own, giving your landscape two awesome winds in one go.

Tips for Summer Mulching

If you plan on investing in mulch for your summer landscape, keep these suggestions in mind.

1. Choose Organic Mulch

Mulch can be made from natural or synthetic materials. Organic mulch is made from materials like wood chips, bark, shredded leaves, compost, pine needles, or other materials and naturally improves soil health as it breaks down.

Inorganic mulch is non-biodegradable and doesn’t offer any nutrients to your plants. It’s usually rubber or gravel, and while it does offer greater shade, it loses the added benefit of enhancing plant health. Plus, rubber mulch can cause even more damage because it retains heat, which can further stress your plants and dry out the soil.

2. Water Your Plants Before Applying Mulch

Ensure your plants are well-hydrated, and let the soil dry on the top level. Then, apply the mulch to pack in the water and nutrients and prevent evaporation. When you water your landscape during the summer, try to do so in the morning when evaporation is at its lowest point.

3. Protect Tree Trunks

Mulch should be spread 2 to 3 inches away from the base of a tree to allow airflow. Placing the mulch too close or packing it too tight around a tree trunk can harm the roots and lead to rot or pests.

4. Work With a Professional

Hire a landscaper who offers mulching services to get the best solution. They can ensure the right mulch is applied to keep your property attractive and inviting all summer.

For commercial mulching services in Blackwood, NJ, contact the team at Franco’s Tree Service today!