Why should you put mulch in your flower beds?
Applying mulch to plant beds is key to maintaining healthy, attractive landscaping. Below are some specific benefits of properly applied mulch:
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Mulch helps retain moisture, which leads to healthier plant stock.
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A layer of mulch around plantings reduces weed growth.
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Mulch adds nutrients to the soil due to its natural decay.
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A well-mulched bed prevents plant stock from getting hit or damaged from lawn equipment; for that reason, creating tree rings around trees is suggested.
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In addition to the above, mulch adds beauty and uniformity to landscaping at a minimal cost.
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Some Do’s And Don’ts Of Mulching:
Do’s:
When mulching trees, mulch surrounding the trunk should look like a donut-a uniform circle.
Keep the mulch to a thickness of 1-2” around the base of trees, shrubs and perennials to prevent decay of the bark layer causing poor growth. Overall, keep mulch at a maximum thickness of 4”-- any more will restrict the access of oxygen to the soil and plant roots.
Try to have an edge for the mulch to sit along to prevent it from migrating out into the lawn.
If re-mulching beds, it may be necessary to remove some of the old mulch to allow for proper depth when installing fresh mulch in plant bed areas.
Don’ts:
Avoid excessive buildup of mulch around base of trees and shrubs. (Volcano effect)
Using chipped wood from a local municipality is not recommended for typical decorative plant beds. Using these chips may bring in viral infections that a tree had when removed and chipped; in addition, unwanted growth of saplings will also occur.
Do not use mulch over landscape fabric in the hope of improving the soil. When the mulch decomposes it cannot enter the soil if there is a fabric barrier between it and the soil. Mulch will also break down creating allowing weeds to germinate above landscape fabric.
Hope the above information will help assist in a healthy and attractive landscape for you. If interested in having your beds mulch, please contact us for a free Estimate.