Are you looking to improve your landscaping with a reasonable amount of effort? If so, then you should look into using mulch. Spreading mulch can be a great way to protect your plants and your home while improving your property's curb appeal. Any place that offers mulch for sale should have many different types of mulch available, so you can find the right mulch for any purpose or climate. There are also different types of wood mulches in a wide range of colors. Keep reading to learn more about the four key ways mulch protects and supports your landscaping efforts.

1. Insulates Your Soil

Throughout the year, your lawn and garden are vulnerable to a wide range of temperature and atmospheric changes. Certain plants are more sensitive to these changes than others, especially younger plants in the fall. Mulch acts as a natural insulator. It provides an insulating layer on top of the soil, which keeps your soil cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Of course, if you're hoping to take advantage of the insulation benefits mulch provides, then there are certain application tips you'll want to keep in mind. According to Home Depot, applying a layer of mulch that's two to three inches deep allows for water and air to still reach the plant roots. When applied at the right depth, mulch can insulate the soil without keeping air and water from reaching your plants.

2. Keeps Weeds Away

Weeds are a common enemy for many gardeners, and they can be especially challenging to counteract. Fighting weeds is a given when caring for a garden, but mulch makes the fight much easier. You'll still want to do your best to remove weeds before applying mulch, but it becomes simpler from there. Specifically, mulch naturally prevents weeds from sprouting and blocks their access to sunlight, which inhibits their growth. While some weeds may still develop over time, they'll do so much less frequently, and they'll be less challenging to remove. This is a huge time-saver, which allows you to spend more time enjoying your garden or handling other household tasks.

3. Maintains Moisture

Plants need water to thrive and too little can be the worst hindrance to plant growth. Mulch holds water very well. According to the Micro Gardener, soil with mulch can conserve as much as 70% more water than soil without mulch. Since mulch holds water so well, it reduces the amount of water you need to give your plants and how often you need to water them. Mulch can soak in rainwater and hold it as well. If you live in an area that gets significant rain, mulch can help your plants stay well-hydrated. By watering your plants less, you'll save money on your utility bills. Additionally, different kinds of mulches let water pass through more easily than others. Make sure to speak with your mulch provider to see which option works better for your garden and personal preferences.

4. Improves Soil Quality

Natural mulch is organic and biodegradable, which allows it to naturally degrade into the soil. In addition to being eco-friendly, mulch allows better air and water movement through the soil. It also provides soil with nitrogen and other nutrients. The richer the soil is in nutrients, the more it'll support strong, healthy growth in your plants. The additional organic matter that mulch adds to your soil makes it more resistant to pests and diseases. If your soil is especially sandy, you'll appreciate how mulch binds the sandy soil and keeps the water from evaporating as easily. Since sandy soil can lead to irrigation and erosion issues, this is sure to improve your soil's quality.

As a homeowner, taking care of your garden is one of your top priorities, and the materials you use play a huge role in your success. Using mulch for your garden provides all the benefits above and more. Are you ready to start looking for mulch for sale? Contact Red Bark Inc today to learn more about our products and how we can assist you. We can help you determine what type of mulch is right for your home's needs and style and show all the types of mulch for sale at our facility. We look forward to helping you design the perfect lawn!