Mulching is best done in May!

After dealing with some early spring (such as clearing out the planting beds and rejuvenating your lawn), you may want to consider adding a layer of mulch to your planting beds.

Mulch provides several benefits, including weed suppression, moisture retention, and soil temperature moderation.

Take a closer look at 6 benefits we brought here:

1. Mulch destroys weeds by acting as a barrier between the soil and unwanted seeds and sunlight. The hardwood ground covering chokes out unwanted greenery and stunts the growth of any weeds that do manage to sprout. This means far fewer weeds to manage, making gardening easier.

2. Plants stay hydrated as mulch shades the soil from the sun’s harsh rays, locking in moisture needed for a beautiful garden. Mulch also keeps the top of the soil soft and ready to receive water, meaning less watering is required.

3. Soil remains temperate, with mulch functioning like insulation in your home, keeping soil cool in hot months and warm in cold months. This allows for planting earlier in the season and improves the overall health and fertility of the soil.

4. Gardens bulk up as organic mulch deteriorates over time, adding nutrients to the soil that earthworms and plants love to feed on. Hardwood mulch also improves the ability of sandy soils to hold and drain moisture and clay soils to aerate and become sturdier.

5. Health hazards are minimized as mulch can keep pests and diseases away. Certain types of mulch have been known to ward off harmful fleas and ticks, while premium mulch prevents soil from splashing up onto plants during watering, carrying diseases that are harmful to the plants.

6. Winter threats are neutralized as mulch protects plants' roots during harsh winter months, shielding them from frost heaving, where soil expansion and contraction can push plants and their roots to the surface of the ground, exposing them to the winter cold.

However, a common issue that arises is excessive mulching. When applied repeatedly over the years, too much mulch can actually harm your plants by creating a non-decomposing layer that restricts root growth and prevents nutrients and water from reaching the roots. As a result, the soil becomes compacted, and the plants can suffer as a consequence.

So, if you want to protect and beautify your garden beds ahead of summer heat, but don’t know where to start - we’ll love to help! Get in touch by calling 214-566-8101 and get a quote.