It is important to consider all of these things along with the following when deciding which mulch is best for you. However, when using courser materials, you will need a thicker layer. This usually tends to be a courser material. The faster a mulch filters water through to the soil, the longer it will last. This is a great application in an area where you don’t want weeds such as pathways but not so good for flower beds or growing areas that need consistent water. For example, the finer the material, the more it will mat together and may prevent water from penetrating. You may love the look of pine bark nuggets, but they may not be the best option for your yard depending on various factors. It is important to know what these are when deciding which to use. Now, Narrow Your Options By Your Needsĭifferent types of mulch materials provide different benefits and each has its own challenges as well. However, it is better for areas that need more weed control because of its longer decomposition time. Fresh mulch will last longer, but takes longer to decompose and provide nutrients. Also, be aware when purchasing that aged mulch that is already partially decomposed will improve soil nutrients and promote growth faster than fresh mulch such as pine bark. These can help control unwanted pests and some plant diseases. As organic materials decompose, they nourish the soil as well as provide a nurturing environment for beneficial insects, worms and bacteria. The advantage to using organic material is soil health and sometimes recycling natural materials that might otherwise be sent to the landfill.
Organic mulch is simply any organic (living or once living) material. Organic mulch doesn’t mean materials grown using organic farming methods as one might think considering the current food trends. All of these benefits of mulching allow for far less maintenance time outside and far more enjoyment!įirst Things First, Organic Mulch Is Better. Minimizing weeds is vital to growing your favorite plants and trees because they do not have to compete for water and nutrients. As well, in our landscaped areas it can provide for wonderful design accents with colors and textures and also help prevent weed growth by blocking light to weed seeds that will prevent them from germinating. In our yards and gardens, where we like things neat, clean and manicured, it is still important to provide this service to our plants as mother nature intended. Prevents both soil compaction and soil erosion.Acts as a temperature guard keeping the base of plants cooler in summer and warmer in winter.Beneficial organisms break down the material, improving soil quality so the plant is provided constant nutrition.This provides a layer of organic, decomposing material that benefit plants and trees in many ways. Fallen leaves, dead grasses and other natural materials collect on the ground. Nature creates its own mulch in the fields and forests. Different materials offer pros and cons depending on the application in which they are used. *Also available in bulk.The first thing you should know is why to mulch in the first place, then consider the environment in your own yard and seek out the option that will best serve your landscape’s needs. Mulched barriers around trees and structures also prevent mowers and trimmers from causing mechanical damage. It insulates the roots of plants from extreme heat and cold, and it reduces weed competition by blocking light and by preventing some weed seeds from germinating.
It also prevents certain soil-borne diseases by acting as a barrier between the soil and the plant. From the water conservation standpoint, mulch prevents evaporative water loss from the soil. Mulch provides a number of benefits to the landscape. While giving a nice rustic look to your landscape, they decompose slowly because of their size.
These smaller, decorative pieces are great as a ground cover. Daddy Pete’s Pine Bark Mini-Nuggets are pieces of pine bark, approximately 1-2 1/2 square inches, manufactured from the barks of pine trees.