5 Benefits to Adding Mulch to Your Yard
What does mulch actually do for my garden?
Is there an easy way to reduce the amount of weeds that grow in my yard?
Mulch brings so many amazing benefits to your yard, but what are they really? In this article, we are answering that question. So pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee and find out why your yard needs some mulch.
Top Reasons to Add Mulch to Your Landscaping
- Weed Control
As a child, I got paid to fill paper bags up with weeds. I think I earned a dollar for every bag I filled. It wasn’t the best paying job, but I got paid nonetheless.These days, there is no one to pay me for my bags full of those pesky weeds. So, I am so happy to announce that one huge benefit of mulch is that mulch will help to reduce weeds.
It works like this: weeds need sunlight to grow and mulch gets in the way of that.
- Helps Retain Moisture
According to Better Homes and Gardens, the reason why mulch helps retain moisture is because it slows down the evaporation of water from the ground.
Keeping your soil moist is really helpful on those hot, dry days and it will help to decrease your water bill.
- Provides Insulation
Mulch provides a great insulator that will keep your foliage cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
- Brings in the Earthworms
It should be noted that this benefit is specific to organic material. DoItYourself.com reminds us that earthworms help to enhance the soil structure and the nutrient cycling.
Organic Gardening describes organic mulch as forming living materials like:
- Chopped leaves
- Grass clippings
- Wood chips
- Pine needs
- Saw dust
- Brings Your Yard Together
When you add mulch to your garden, flower beds, and around trees, it brings your whole landscape together giving off a finished look.
Summary
Adding mulch to your yard adds a number of benefits. From helping to retain moisture to bringing your yard together for a polished finished look, this is one item that should be on the top of your gardening to-do list.
Not sure which mulch is right for you? Check out a series we published called, How to Choose the Right Mulch for Your Landscape Part 1 and Part 2.
