Do you have a beautiful landscape you want to maintain? Are you an avid gardener trying to reestablish your garden plot in your backyard? If so, you may be interested in the benefits of mulching. Mulching is a gardening technique that covers the soil with various materials to improve soil quality and appearance. Here are a few facts about this material and technique that may interest you.

1. It Aids in Moisture

Whether you have grass, trees, or a garden, your vegetation needs an adequate amount of hydration. When you cover the soil in a layer of mulch, you're helping to prevent this moisture from escaping. Soil that can properly maintain moisture means less water you have to use. Buying mulches can help you do your part to conserve water in the environment as well as reduce your residential water bill.

2. It Suppresses Weeds

Weeds can be the bane to any homeowner who has a lawn. If you have a garden, then weeds are the last thing you want to see, as these destructive plants can completely upset your efforts to keep beautiful vegetation. Weeds soak up all the nutrients in the soil, which means there are fewer nutrients for other vegetation to benefit from. If you put the time and effort into planting fruit and vegetables, your harvest may not be as thorough as it should be when you haven't handled weeds. Luckily, the right mulch can suppress those weeds to ensure they won't pop up on your landscape. The mulch acts as a barrier that prevents weed seeds from germinating and competing with your other plants for space and nutrition.

3. It Protects Topsoil

You want to protect the topsoil as much as possible. So, if you're in an area that has high winds or is prone to flooding, mulch can help. It'll protect your topsoil from such wind and water erosion. When erosion happens, it washes away your valuable topsoil, which makes your plants more vulnerable since it can expose their roots.

4. It Enriches Soil

You need soil that has as many nutrients as possible. After all, your soil is where your plants will sit and grow. Soil that has the right amount of nutrients, minerals, and a level of pH is essential for plant growth, and organic mulch provides that. According to Off Grid Grandpa, organic mulches that decompose tend to last between three and nine months, except wood chip mulch which lasts for three to eight years. In addition to adding these nutrients, it can improve your soil texture. In terms of biodiversity, it feeds microorganisms beneficial to plant life.

5. It Shields Plants From the Elements

Sometimes even your plants need insulation. Remember, your vegetation is always outside, so it's going to have exposure to extreme weather, whether it's rain, wind, snow, or ice. Mulching can regulate soil temperature and protect plants from extreme weather. Regardless of the type of climate you're in, mulching is helpful for regulating the soil temperature. Make sure you keep your plants warm in winter and cool in summer. As a result, whether there is a heat wave in an arid environment or a freeze over in the dead of winter, mulching can help extend the growing season of your garden.

6. It Attracts Friendly Wildlife

No homeowner wants to see nasty pests, like rodents, termites, or too many ants, in their yard. Luckily, mulch can attract the beneficial insects and wildlife that can make your environment more special. There's nothing like waking up in the morning and hearing hummingbirds singing. Birds are much more likely to give you a concert if you have certain types of mulch, like shredded leaves or pine needles, that can provide a habitat for the worms and insects they love to feast on. The right insects, like bees, butterflies, and certain birds, can pollinate your garden.

7. It Enhances Beauty

While the natural production of various fruit, vegetables, and flowers already create a beautiful garden, mulching can further add to its overall aesthetic appeal. Mulch can add color, texture, and contrast to your garden beds. Choose from various materials and colors to suit your garden needs and personal style.

As you can see, there are many interesting facts about mulching. It enhances the beauty of your overall garden while attracting friendly wildlife. Mulching protects and adds nutrients to your soil. If you're ready to give your garden or lawn the care it needs, then contact us at Red Bark Inc today for quality mulch.