What is mulch and why do you need it?

Benefits of mulch in the garden.

Whilst it is not mandatory to do, mulching is one of the best things that you can do for your garden. It is a protective barrier which can be made from a variety of materials, it also has a range of different benefits for every type of garden.

Prevents soil erosion:mulch keeps rainwater from washing away soil by breaking the fall of the water and lessening the force of the water on the ground whilst also keeping existing water trapped in the soil.

Controls weeds:using mulch will limit the amount of weeds that can pop up in open spaces, it acts as a protective barrier limiting the amount of sunlight getting to the weeds.

Maintains soil nutrients:in addition to keeping soil nutrients from being washed away, it can also release nutrients if you are using organic material as it decomposes on top of the soil.

Encourages earthworms to inhabit the soil:using organic mulch will encourage earthworms to occupy garden soil and this in turn helps improve soil structure and nutrient cycling.

Controls pests:certain types of mulch such as cedar bark will deter pests due to the natural oils that act as insect repellant. A more fragrant mulch wi have the greatest effect on insects. TIP: research which type of mulch best suits your needs as some mulch will encourage insects to flock to your garden and house.

Polishing up your Garden:mulch can add a finished look to gardens by filling in the empty spaces and is easier to maintain than grass and groundcovers.

When choosing your mulch it is important to be aware that mulch comes in the form of organic or inorganic material.

Organic or natural mulch includes;

• Grass Clippings:this is one of the more commonly used types of mulch as it is cheap, easy to get hold of and easy to apply.
• Hardwood Chips:this is neat and attractive and stays where you put it and decays slowly.
• Crushed Leaves:decaying leaves smother weeds and add moisture back into the soil
• Compost: compost is great as it is free if you have your own and adds nutrients back into the soil

Inorganic or synthetic mulch includes;

• Pebbles/Stones:this will give your garden a nice neat look, it is easy to apply and lasts a long time which means it won’t need to be replenished as often in colder climates.
• Landscape Fabric:this keeps weeds at bay and will keep warmth and moisture in the soil.
• Rubber:this is usually made from shredded, recycled car tires and is available in a variety of colours. It is very long lasting and looks a lot like shredded wood mulch.

Choosing the Best Mulch

The best mulch will be depend on a number of things such as personal preference and budget. Organic mulch will improve soil fertility, however if you have a larger landscaped area and need a no fuss option then synthetic mulch may be the better choice for you.

At A1 Sure Services, we provide mulch which has been carefully prepared and aged, ensuring plants and trees will thrive, receiving the maximum benefits from quality mulch.