Some Fun Facts on Mulch and What It Is Capable Of
You may have asked yourself why the garden beds of your neighbor are in such good order when yours have a way of drying out come mid-summer. You might be under the impression that mulch is merely an aesthetic to put the finishing touches on a yard. In truth, all those wood chips are hard at work in ways you do not give them credit for.
We of Franco’s Tree Service (and Landscaping, LLC) can attest to it. For 10 years now we have been putting more into the landscapes of our clients, be they homeowners or businesses, from Blackwood, NJ out to Camden County and South Jersey. Our service area includes Cherry Hill, Gloucester and Washington Townships, Monroe and beyond. Put us on the phone at (856) 548-5822 and we will tell you what mulch has to offer your property.
There is no better example of an overlooked landscaping tool than mulch. To most it is about curb appeal and it does have its looks. Yet there is much more to it than what meets the eye. We would like to put forward some facts that could put a different spin on how one views it.
Mulch Manages Moisture Naturally
Holding water in the soil is perhaps the primary function of mulch. Put down a decent layer and it is as if you have put a blanket over the ground to check evaporation. The soil remains damp and your trees and plants are not left to contend with every drop in the heat of a South Jersey summer.
Which is convenient since it means less time with the hose in hand. By way of reducing your watering needs, mulch is kind to both your water bill and your plants.
Chemical Free Weed Control
No one has any use for pulling weeds. With mulch you can stave off their encroachment without much trouble. A well put layer will deny weed seeds the sunlight required to make a showing.
A case in point for why mulch is so popular for keeping weeds at bay:
- Existing ones are smothered before they have a chance
- Light is cut off from the seeds
- One does not have to resort to chemical sprays
- The odd weed that puts in an appearance is all the easier to get at
- Beds retain a clean look for longer
And then there is the matter of the soil.
As Mulch Decomposes It Nourishes the Soil
Folks often do not know this but organic varieties, say some shredded bark or wood chips, will break down of their own accord. In doing so they put nutrients back in the earth and better its structure. So while it is a shield for your plants on top, it is making for healthier soil underneath, something the earthworms and microorganisms are fond of. Your roots will be none the worse for wear.
A Buffer Against the Elements
The weather in South Jersey can be uncooperative. The extremes of our summers and winters put a strain on plant roots. Mulch insulates and moderates the temperature of the soil. It is a buffer that allows your shrubs and trees to cope with the seasons; in winter it holds in warmth and wards off a hard freeze, in the summer it keeps things cool.
When Too Much Is Not a Good Thing
This is where errors are made. There is a misconception that more is better. We see it a lot: “mulch volcanoes” heaped up against a tree trunk will only serve to trap moisture and bring on rot and pests.
Heed these rules and you will be fine:
- Do not let mulch touch the trunks
- Two to three inches should suffice for depth
- An even spread is best
- Put down fresh mulch in place of piling on top of the old
- Leave the base of stems and trunks exposed
Variety in Mulch
One size does not fit all. You have inorganic stone and rubber, or organic leaves and wood chips. Stone is low maintenance and will last in some spots, whereas organic will feed the soil. It is a matter of what you want to achieve and having some expert input can be economical.
Leave the Hard Work to Franco’s
It is easy to think of mulching as a straightforward task but there is an art to it. The type you choose and the depth to which it is applied will determine how well your landscape fares.
For a job done properly, contact Franco’s Tree Service (and Landscaping, LLC). We are happy to provide a free estimate and extend a 10% discount to our military, veterans and seniors. Call (856) 548-5822 and we will have your yard in better shape than you have seen it.
