Great Landscaping Tips to Help You Better Maximize Mulch Use At Home

Gone are the days where garden beds used to be raked bare and the topsoil left to bake in the sun. 

A growing body of research is showing that mulching improves soil quality, enhances water retention, and improves the vigor of both agricultural and ornamental plants. 

Mulching is becoming a garden essential. However, before you dump the first load of organic matter you find onto your garden, there are some tips you need to know to maximize mulch use. 

Don’t Use Too Much 

Mulching provides a protective layer that shelters the delicate topsoil of your garden beds, where the vast majority of the soil organisms in your garden live. This layer of organic matter also provides a microclimate where those important soil microbes can colonize and thrive.

However, more is not always better. Piling on mulching too thickly can prevent moisture from reaching the soil of your beds. It can also impact plant health if pushed up against the bases of trees and shrubs. 

When mulching your yard, keep mulch thickness to 1-2 inches if using fine material, and 3-4 inches for coarse material. Also, ensure that mulching is kept away from the tree trunks and plant stems. 

Know Your Mulches

Mulching is a blanket term that covers just about any organic material that can be spread out and used to protect the soil. 

Before you invest in mulching for your garden, make sure you choose the right kind of mulch. 

First up, ensure that the mulching you get is from a reputable source. The last thing you want is to layer your garden with organic material that is harboring weed seeds. Or one that was made using treated wood or sprayed plants. 

You will also need to choose whether you want aged mulch or fresh mulch. Aged mulch is ideal for areas of your garden that need a soil boost. However, aged mulch will not last as long as fresh mulch. 

Fresh mulch is perfect for beds where the soil is already rich and you want longer lasting cover. 

Another thing to consider is whether you want colored mulch. Colored mulching is stained with vegetable dyes and will keep its color for up to 3 years. Regular mulch will turn grey within a few months. 

If you want to use mulching to enhance curb appeal and the design of your garden, then colored mulch might be a fun choice. However, if you simply want to care for your garden and want a simple solution, regular mulching is also just fine. 

Now You Know How to Maximize Mulch Use

Mulching is an easy and cost-effective way to keep your garden in tip-top shape. The key tips to maximize mulch use is to avoid mulching too thickly, know what type of mulch you want, and get it from a reliable source. 

If you need to find a reputable supplier of mulching in Massapequa, we are here to help. Specializing in landscaping, we also deliver high-quality mulches.

Check out our delivery services today or contact us if you have any queries and we will be happy to help!