Mulch is one of those things that can be very beneficial for your landscaping, but at the same time can be a hindrance if not done properly. Care must be taken in the selection of mulch, as well as how and where it is applied. It is not particularly complicated, and by the end of this article, you’ll know how to gain all the benefits while avoiding the potential problems.
- Mulch Selection – There are numerous types of mulch with each type having benefits over others. In this regard, you should select a type of mulch that is known for being good for the application you plan to use it for. For example, pine, cypress, and hardwood mulch are all excellent mulches for edging and planting beds; in fact, they are better than pine nuggets. In choosing between these three, you can opt for the coloring you prefer, whether that is the light brown of pine, the golden brown of cypress, or the dark brown to black of hardwood mulch. If you wish to condition the soil during the process of mulch decomposition, pine or hardwood mulch will be better than cypress. All three are excellent for moisture and weed control. In addition to natural-colored mulch, there are also dyed options. While some people are concerned about the safety of these mulches, studies have shown that the dyes used are similar to those used in cosmetics, paints and industrial products for a long time with no adverse effects.
- Mulch Application – One of the biggest mistakes is adding new mulch year after year, resulting in a bed level that may be too high for the plants to do well. Putting mulch too close to tender plants can damage them, as well. Also, keep in mind that as mulch decomposes, it can use up nitrogen, so you may need to add extra fertilizer.
If you have questions about which type of mulch you need for a project or have questions about how to apply mulch safely, contact us at Yard & Nursery Depot. We carry a variety of mulch products and we can also put the mulch in place for you.
