Mulch Bark & Wood Chips

Mulch can be used for a variety of uses in maintaining your landscaping. Popular types of mulch used include bark and wood chips. Some of the benefits of utilizing mulch in your garden include weed control, insect control and beauty. Additionally, mulch can be used to improve the quality of your landscaping and simplify maintenance efforts.

Weed Control -

One beneficial use of mulching materials is weed control. Effective use of mulch can act as a barrier which prevents weeds from sprouting around planting areas. Applying mulch in a dense manner makes it extremely difficult for weeds to grow up through this layer. Mulch should not be applied directly to the area where plants are expected to grow. This is important because mulch can also effectively hinder the growth of the plants. For this reason the mulch should be applied a couple of inches away from the plant it is protecting.

Insect Control -

Mulch can also be used for insect control. Mulch can be used to cover the area during the winter when harmful insects may be nesting. Placing these materials over the areas surrounding the plant while the insects are still dormant can prevent them from obtaining the necessary nutrients to thrive once the winter ends. Mulching may not eliminate all insects but it can be useful enough to be considered a worthwhile effort.

Landscape Appearance -

Another benefit of the use of mulch is for its appearance. Placing mulch around plants and in other locations on the garden can create a landscape scene which is attractive to the eye. Mulch comes in a variety of materials and colors. Taking advantage of these appearance related elements can help to create a cohesive and attractive appeal to the landscaping. The use of mulch not only has the benefit of keeping insects and weeds under control but can also create a finished look to the landscaping.

Overall Quality -

Finally, mulch can have the effect of improving the overall quality of the landscaping and simplifying the efforts required to maintain the landscaping elements. Mulch improves the overall quality of the area by preventing erosion, conserving moisture and keeping the temperature of the soil stable. Moisture conservation as a result of mulching is significant because it reduces the amount of water required to maintain the landscaping.

By protecting soil and preventing the soil from becoming susceptible to temperature increases during periods of direct sunlight mulch keeps the roots moister than they would be without the use of mulch. 

When applying mulch for the purpose of temperature control, care should be taken to apply the mulch at the correct times. Mulch can be used in the summer to keep the soil cool and in the winter to keep the soil from freezing.

When used for the purpose of keeping the soil cool in the summer, it should be applied in the spring after the soil has thawed and begins to warm up. This is important because keeping the soil too cold can hinder growth and prevent seeds from germinating.

Mulch used to prevent freezing of the soil should be placed after the first frost but before the coldest temperatures of the summer are reached with regularity.