8 Ways Your Landscape Benefits from Mulch

There are many uses for inorganic mulch like gravel but organic mulch offers a host of benefits for your plants and landscape. Organic mulch supports healthy plant growth, fights soil erosion and compaction, reduces weed growth, and even improves safety and drainage on your property. Here’s how you can benefit from organic mulch installation.

#1. Suppress Weed Growth

Mulch is an all-natural way to reduce the amount of time you spend weeding your flowerbeds and garden when applied at a depth of two to four inches. Mulch stops weed germination by blocking the sunlight weeds need to push through the thick mulch. Mulch can’t stop future weed growth when seeds are blown onto the mulch but it dramatically reduces landscape maintenance.

#2. Retain Moisture

One of the biggest benefits of mulch is its ability to retain water in the soil. Mulch absorbs excess rainwater which can be released into the soil later. It also prevents direct heat loss in the soil. This helps your plants thrive on less water.

#3. Regulate Ground Temperature

Plants grow within an ideal soil temperature range. Plant growth slows or stops when the ground is colder than 50 degrees F but too much heat can cause plant roots to die. Mulch insulates the ground to keep the soil cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

#4. Reduce Erosion and Compaction

Mulch works as a barrier to stop soil from becoming compacted due to excess moisture and foot traffic. It also fights erosion from wind, rain, and runoff by absorbing excess water and creating a buffer over the topsoil.

#5. Repel Pests

Cedar and cypress mulch offer natural pest control benefits to inhibit termites, cockroaches, and many types of ants. This can help create a barrier around the home to discourage pests from getting inside.

#6. Add Soil Nutrients

All organic mulch breaks down over a period of months or years. This process adds valuable nutrients to your soil to feed your plants and support strong plant root growth.

#7. Safer Playgrounds and Trails

Certified playground mulch has been proven to reduce the risk of serious playground injuries when applied at 6-12 inches. This type of mulch absorbs the impact of falls, the leading cause of playground injuries, and it’s more affordable and effective than rubberized mulch. It can also be used in other places where falls are a concern like hiking trails and horse arenas.

#8. Address Muddy Areas

Do you have areas on your property that are always a muddy mess? Mulch can be used to absorb excess moisture in these areas and make them safe enough for traffic. You can also plant grass seeds and apply mulch to protect delicate seeds and prevent them from being washed away before they germinate.