Mulching

Mulching also serves as an easy way to control diseases and pests

It is always a good time to mulch.  Mulch serves more purposes than just enhancing the visual appeal of a home.  The mulch decomposes and adds organic matter to the soil, which enriches its fertility and health.  Mulch improves water retention by trapping the water where it is needed near surface roots.  In addition, it helps prevent erosion and robbing of valuable nutrients by keeping the soil from washing away.  Mulch also suffocates weeds by depriving them of the air and light they need to germinate.  Mulch will also deprive air-borne seeds from sprouting as it forms a barrier between the soil and the seeds.  It could potentially save you many laborious hours of weeding.

Mulching also serves as an easy way to control diseases and pests.  During the decomposition of the mulch, certain fungi that catch nematodes are encouraged by soil conditions under the mulch, which helps control plant diseases.  The mulch also provides a permanent home for pests and parasites, and when a homeowner removes the old mulch to apply the new mulch in the spring – the slugs are picked up and taken away, too.

Consider these facts before choosing the mulch to use:

SHREDDED PINE MULCH

This mulch is freshly ground pine bark with a rich color, uniform texture, and a pleasant pine aroma.  It provides a neutral backdrop for plants and flowers and will not compete with them.  This mulch breaks down into a beneficial material in the soil after it wears down and is superior for moisture retention for all types of landscape.   It contains an acidic pH level that conditions the soil, allowing water to pass through the mulch layer freely. Shredded Pine Mulch is not recommended for steep slopes, and it is wise to avoid it in areas where drainage is an issue.

PINE STRAW

Pine Straw is a natural way to protect your bedding, plants, and shrubs.  It is inexpensive, lightweight, and will not float or wash away.  It breathes easily and does not compact – allowing for better infiltration of organic material and nutrients into the soil.  It is the ideal solution for any landscape with its professional uniform color and texture appearance.  It is acceptable for general application but is particularly good for plants that thrive in acidic soils such as camellias, azaleas, hydrangeas, fuchsias, magnolias, and most evergreens.   It is completely organic and works well as a decorative ground covering for large landscaped areas.

HARDWOOD MULCHES

Hardwood mulches are slightly more expensive than pine straw and are generally perceived as having higher aesthetic value than others.  Hardwood mulches can be acquired in several colors ranging from natural (blond) to red, brown, or black. Hardwood mulches last longer than others, although the color-enhanced mulches will lose their dyed color as they age.  They provide the same functional values as other mulches and are good for sloped areas to help prevent washout.