As more homeowners are investing in their outdoor spaces, many are turning to mulch stores to help them with their landscape designs. According to Fact.MR, a research and consulting organization, mulch stores provide bark mulch that's delivered and installed, typically for around $275 total per 3-cubic load. Using mulch not only improves the quality of your garden, but it can also help you cut down the amount of time and energy you need to spend in your garden. Mulch remains a popular component of any garden because it is so effective in giving your plants a boost and cutting down on ongoing work. Here are some key reasons to improve your garden with mulch.

It'll Help Your Garden Retain Moisture

If you're an avid gardener or are just starting out, you probably hear a lot about mulch stores. When you add mulch to your garden, you'll enjoy many different benefits. One of the main ones is the decreased amount of water you'll need to keep your garden thriving. Local mulch stores offer a variety of different types of mulch.

Mulch allows water to seep into the soil and then protects it from quickly evaporating. It also reduces the amount of water that's splashed back up into the air and surrounding soil when you use a hose to water your plantings. Additionally, the mulch acts as insulation for the soil. It stays cooler in the hot summer months, and warmer in the winter. If you want your soil to be protected and retain moisture, it's time to add some mulch to your garden.

The type of mulch that's best for your garden will depend on the amount of sun your yard receives, as well as the orientation of your plants, trees, and shrubs. We've seen that soil that's westward facing and heavily shaded will benefit from a type of mulch that won't do well in an area that receives direct sunlight for several hours each day. Take some time to consider how your garden is affected by the elements in order to determine which mulching material is right for your situation. The right mulch will help you save time and water.

It'll Create a Great Home for Pollinators

Many gardeners are aware of how important it is to protect the habitats of pollinators. The same holds true for insects in general. Your garden doesn't just provide you with hours of enjoyment, it's also a haven for insects and pollinators. You'll be able to wait for longer intervals between regularly watering your garden when you have mulch. Weeds will be less of a concern when you apply a deep base of mulch in your garden. These two factors, less watering, and weeding, not only save you time and effort, but they also create a very welcoming environment for pollinators and insects.

When insects and other small creatures make their home in your garden, they provide many benefits. Earthworms crawl through the soil to help keep it aerated and healthy. And, when worms and insects die, their decomposing organic matter helps to keep the soil nourished. There are many advantages to having a garden that provides a healthy environment for other living things. You'll not only enjoy the sight of your beautiful flowers and plants, but you'll also be able to watch butterflies, bumble bees, hummingbirds, and similar beings. The many benefits that come with having a vibrant garden are almost too many to list!

Plants Will Enjoy Stronger and Deeper Roots

Strong roots are essential for healthy plants, shrubs, trees, and flowers. Without a healthy root system, the hardiest plants will experience difficulty thriving. Mulch can help the roots of your plants grow strong and stay healthy. Our mulch experts suggest that you install your mulch only about two or three inches deep. When using grass clippings for mulch, only lay about two inches. If you opt for mulch that's coarser than bark mulch, the layer can be as deep as four inches. You don't want too thick of a layer, that can make it difficult for the soil to maintain a proper level of oxygenation.

Don't lay your mulch too close to any structures, as it can be damaging. We've seen that a good rule to follow is a foot-wide border around your home or any other structure, and two to four inches away from any plants that have woody stems. Mulch is best used as a cover for soil, allowing for air, moisture, and nutrients to reach your plants and flowers directly.

The healthier the root system in your garden, the more likely it is that your plants will remain strong and beautiful. Mulch is an effective way to protect all of your plants and your hard work, too. If you're unsure how to choose the right mulch or how much to install, then your local mulch stores are priceless assets. Professional gardeners and landscapers are a wonderful resource, and probably more than happy to answer any questions that you might have. The same is true when your garden isn't flourishing as it should. Gardeners are a helpful bunch, and asking for help from the start can help you avoid costly and time-consuming errors.

Your Garden Will Be Less Likely to Develop Soilborne Diseases

Disease and fungus can develop in unhealthy soil, thus creating an environment that isn't conducive to growing plants. Mulch can help you avoid these pitfalls. When you first install your mulch, be sure to water it completely. Wood mulch can be susceptible to fungus issues, especially if it becomes dried out. Keeping your garden adequately watered can help you to avoid fungus problems.

Mulch-protected soil that's become a favorite spot of pollinators, insects, and earthworms will have a constant flow of degrading and deteriorating matter. As these beings decompose, they enrich the soil and increase its health. This creates an ecosystem that's strong and able to fight off disease. Mulch turnover, at the beginning and end of each growing season, is important to maintain the overall health of your garden.

At the end of the season, you'll want to turn over your mulch. This means giving it a good rake and removing any bark or other matter that's no longer in good shape. Remove any moldy or degraded mulch before the first frost. Then, before the next planting season begins, fill in for any missing mulch. Replacing the old mulch allows your garden to have a constant environment of new and degrading matter that adds to the nourishment of your soil.

Mulch can also protect your garden from surprise frosts or cold snaps. You'll be less likely to lose plants or flowers that bloom early. Root systems have an extra layer of protection when you apply mulch to your garden. This protection means that short but extreme weather cycles are less likely to completely decimate your garden.

There are so many great reasons to add mulch to your garden, that you'll want to start planning your delivery from mulch stores today! Be sure to take the time to determine which type of mulch is right for your garden, and how best to have it installed and maintained over time. Mulch stores can help you achieve your landscaping and gardening dreams! If you're in the market for mulch delivery, give Red Back Inc a call today. We'll help you get the nourishment your garden needs.