The Benefits of Mulch

Mulch is more than just a decoration.  In fact, there are many benefits to using mulch.  These benefits range from soil nourishment to weed suppression.  So, before you decide whether or not your landscape needs mulch, consider the following benefits of mulch.

Soil Nutrition

One surprising benefit of mulch is that it nourishes your soil.  This benefit applies only to organic mulch because it breaks down over time.  While this means you need to replenish your mulch, it also means that the soil beneath it is healthy.  Your plants benefit from the healthy soil, and you benefit from a healthy landscape.

Weed Suppression

Mulch suppresses weed growth by cutting off the sunlight to weeds.  As a result, the weeds are not strong enough to push through the mulch layer.  Using mulch reduces your need to use herbicides and other chemical weed killers.  In order to effectively suppress weed growth, lay down 2 – 3 inches of mulch.  Weed suppression is increased when you pair mulch with weed mat or barrier.

Water Retention & Temperature Regulation

The elements affect your soil by causing it to lose or retain moisture.   By protecting the soil from the wind and sun, it prevents unnecessary evaporation.  Mulch also insulates the soil and protects it from temperature extremes.  This insulation helps protect your plants’ root systems.  

Protection From Erosion

Erosion from wind and rain is a problem that affects any outdoor garden or landscape.  Luckily, mulch helps to slow the effects of erosion.  How?  Well, mulch acts as a first line of defense against the elements that threaten to wear away your precious soil.

Types of Mulch

There are various types of mulch that range from organic mulch, such as tree bark, to inorganic mulch, such as rock.  The benefits of mulch apply to almost all types; however, only organic mulch will feed your soil.  That said, talk to your landscaper to find out which mulch will work best for your landscape!  At 1 Stop Landscape, we carry a wide variety of organic mulch, aggregates, and weed mat.