Many American homeowners have been getting their gardens ready since spring has arrived. One of the best ways to prepare your garden and protect it is with mulch. It can come in organic or inorganic materials, such as straw, wood chips, stone, rubber, and more. You can use one type of mulching or mix things up for different effects and purposes. Here are some ways you can use mulch to improve your garden.

Weed Destruction

Weeds are a highly destructive and naturally occurring plant that can ruin the effort you put into your garden. They can be annoying to get rid of. Even if you constantly pick them up by hand, they may eventually keep sprouting back. In other words, you could spend a lot of time constantly dealing with weeds and stressing over whether they'll continue to come back. A much more effective way to get rid of weeds and stop them from coming back is with the use of mulch. A solid layer of mulch stops these weeds from sprouting. It works because it blocks sunlight from reaching the soil surface and therefore, weeds don't have what they need to grow. As a result, your vegetation can enjoy all the nutrients in the soil and continue to thrive through the season.

Root Protection

Plant roots are more fragile than you may think. The roots can be affected by several things from over-watering to extreme temperatures. If you live in an area that has different seasons, like harsh winters or hot summers, applying mulch can protect your roots. Applying this material should be a part of your winterization prep before snow sets in. As a result, plant roots will be protected from frost that may kill them. Then you won't enjoy your fresh veggies and have to start over from scratch. It's equally protective in arid climates with harsh sun rays that could burn the roots or leaves. According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, you'll need at least 18 cubic feet of mulch to cover a 100-square-foot area with a two-inch depth.

Temperature Maintenance

Did you know that the temperature of the soil can change? However, you can maintain an even temperature within the soil with mulch. It acts as an insulating shield that can keep soil warmer during the winter and cooler during those intense summer months. As a result, your plants will always have a temperate, comfortable environment to thrive in. An extreme change in temperature puts a great deal of stress on the roots and weakens them. With the impact of global warming and weird weather patterns, it's hard to tell when the weather may change suddenly. At least with a solid mulching plan, you can protect your plants from any changing weather patterns. When it comes to larger structures like trees, the last thing you want is for their roots to weaken, as they can easily fall over.

Water Conservation

Your plants need water in order to live and thrive. While the planet is mostly made of water, it's still a natural resource that people should be mindful of waste. According to the CDC, Americans waste billions of gallons of water annually, and much of that water can be wasted in their gardens. Sometimes, homeowners may overwater or underwater the soil, which can drown out the roots and cause fungal growth. Reduce your use of water by keeping the soil moist for a longer period. Because of its insulation properties, the soil is allowed to hold on to moisture longer. As a result, plants you may normally have to water daily may only need watering every few days.

Constant Nutrition

Your plants need nutrition just as much as they need water. When you use organic mulching such as wood chips, you don't ever have to worry about removing it. The reason is that these organic materials will eventually disintegrate into the soil. As it disintegrates over time, it naturally adds various nutrients from nitrogen to phosphorus to amino acids that your plants need. It can save you money on buying additional fertilizer. Plus, you can have confidence that your plants will have organic soil that is natural and doesn't have any chemicals. Therefore, it's an ideal way to feed your garden when you don't want to risk chemical exposure.

Additional Beauty

Did you know that adding mulch can positively affect the way your garden looks? When you have a well-maintained area that looks tidy, it helps make your garden look aesthetically pleasing. Whether that garden is a rose bush out front or your backyard vegetable garden, it adds aesthetic quality to your landscape. When this beautiful garden is presented out front, it can add to your curb appeal. Imagine how your property would look when someone approaches it for the first time when you have beautiful colorful mulch around your trees, rose gardens, and other designated areas.

Specific Area Enhancement

If you have a large landscape, you may want designated areas that are defined. You may even have different types of gardens all over the place. You could have a rose garden or even a vegetable garden, and you may have a section for your bushes and fruit trees. You can set aside all these areas by using different types of mulch. Because the mulching is available in different materials, it also comes in a variety of textures and colors. When you spread it throughout your landscape, it contributes a beautiful effect, especially when it's contrasted against green grass. You can create a particular color theme or pattern with the use of different mulch. This can really highlight your different areas of landscaping, giving your home an overall professional landscape design.

Erosion Prevention

Erosion isn't just a general environmental issue that other people worry about. You may have to deal with erosion on your own property, depending on your location. You can prevent this by covering the soil with a solid layer of mulch, particularly in areas that have inclement weather. This practice can reduce the impact or runoff of constant wind and rain. It protects the soil underneath from eroding away, so you always have healthy sod to work in. If your soil does erode, it could take a lot of intensive work to get it back to life again. Save yourself that time and effort by relying on the benefits of mulch.

As you can see, using mulching techniques can bring many benefits to your property. Whether you have a residential or commercial garden, taking advantage of mulch has many benefits that you can feel for years to come. You can give regular nutrients to your soil as well as help keep it moist. Protect your plants from the ravages of destructive weeds and the possibility of aversion. Make sure that you only use the best products available, as you don't want a provider who uses poor products. That's why you should look no further than our team for our range of products such as bark supplies, bark mulch, dust bowling machines, and more. With over 30 years of experience, our team is ready to enhance your outdoor spaces with quality mulch products. To give your garden the health it needs, contact Red Bark Inc today to get started!