Mulch is a Must in Landscaping


One component of landscaping installation you can be assured will not be ignored by a professional landscaper is the necessity of mulch, initially applied and continuously maintained, for your garden beds.  Mulch is the material, usually organic, that covers the soil around your plants.  In nature, mulch is created by leaves and other decomposing matter and it is part of what encourages the growth of plants in both wild and structured landscape plans.

The basic purposes of mulch are to conserve moisture, improve the soil, discourage weed growth, and enhance visual harmony and beauty.  The next time you notice a property with an especially attractive landscape design, look a little bit closer and you will see how important the use of mulch is when it comes to an appealing flow to the design.  And of course, any thriving and healthy landscape will have proper mulching to thank for it.  There are even brightly dyed mulches that add a dose of color to entice the eye.    

Different mulch affects the soil in different ways and a professional landscaping company will be familiar with the prime choices of mulch for your particular landscape design.  Bark chips, shredded mulch, wood chips, and wood chip mulch are some examples of what may be used locally and these materials vary in appearance, cost, availability, and effect on the soil underneath.  Rocks, crushed stone, and gravel are also considered a material for the process of mulching, with its own special accommodations.

Mulch is applied as deep as six inches to keep soil temperature and moisture at a stable level.  Application of mulch decreases evaporation so plants get properly watered, and blocks sunlight so that weeds cannot sprout.  Mulch slowly decomposes into the soil, which is why it needs to be replaced periodically.