Mulching provides a host of benefits to your landscaping efforts. When applied correctly mulch has the following effects on plants and soils. Did you know, mulches prevent loss of water from the soil by evaporation? Mulches also reduce the growth of weeds when the soil material itself is weed free, and applied directly enough to prevent weed germination or to smother existing weeds. Mulches help your law and landscaping in the spring, fall, and summer by keeping the soil cooler and preventing overheating.

During cold winters, mulch insulates the soil to help keep it warmer minimizing frost damage to the plants. During summer, lawn maintenance mulches are more than a good idea as they protect the trunks of trees and shrubs from physical damage by lawn equipment. In almost any situation, mulching is a good idea.

The best time to mulch new plantings is right after you plant them. Near older plants that are already established, mulch is recommended in early spring. This is when plants are beginning to grow and before summer weeds have a chance to germinate.

How often mulch needs to be replenished depends on the mulching material itself. Grass clippings and leaves decompose very fast and need to be replenished frequently. Inorganic mulches, such as gravel and pebbles rarely need replenishing as the plants grow and fill in bed area; less and less mulch will be needed.

The amount of mulch to apply depends on the texture and density of the mulch material. Many wood mulches and bark mulches are made of finer particles and should not exceed three inches in depth. Too much fine textured mulches will suffocate plant roots by blocking air flow; resulting in yellowing of the leaves and poor growth.

Coarse textured mulches like pine bark nuggets allow great air flow through them and because of this can be laid up to 4 inches deep. Mulches made from shredded leaves and grasses are never recommended to be more than 2 inches thick because they can prevent water and air supply to plant roots.

Mulching is a practice that gardners, landscapers, and homeowners all take part in. It's an easy way to upgrade your yard and a smart idea to help protect and nurture your trees, shrubs, and plants. It's also a great way to boost the curb appeal of your home.