Mulching is one of the common ways to spruce up and protect landscapes. And that’s very beneficial today, as you can increase the resale value of your home through landscaping by 14%. Read on for a quick run-down of the ins and outs of using mulch.
Where To Get Mulch
When it comes to choosing where to get mulch for your landscape, you’ll want to keep in mind that freshness of the material is the most important quality to look for. Now, free “mulch” is a somewhat viable option for suburban homeowners. These can range from grass clippings to fallen leaves. However, it’s important to note that grass clippings should be left to cool down and leaves should be shredded before use as mulch.
Ideally, though, you should avail the services of an affordable landscaping materials company to get plenty of proven, fresh mulch. This will ensure that you have the freshest material, free of any insects or harmful bacteria.
Should You Use Mulch?
Knowing where to find mulch is key but is mulch even worth laying down? Well, like many things in landscaping, there are a variety of benefits and dangers to keep in mind when factoring everything. In our professional opinion though, the rewards definitely outweigh the risks.
One of the most significant downsides to using mulch is that, if not checked regularly, mulch can cause overhydration. This can lead to rotting in your plants’ roots as well as fungi growth, which is never good.
On the flip side, the benefits of using mulch include temperature regulation, moisture retention, and weed prevention. However, one of the most valuable benefits of using mulch is that, as it decomposes it will improve the soil quality, providing your plants with much-needed nutrients.
Which Mulch Should You Use?
With a wide variety of mulches to choose from, selecting exactly which one to use for your landscaping project can seem impossible. But don’t worry, it’s actually quite simple.
Firstly, it’s important to note that there are four categories of mulch: colored mulch, hardwood mulch, playground mulch, and leaf mulch.
Colored and hardwood mulch offer practically the same benefits, so it really comes down to how the mulch pairs aesthetically with the rest of your landscape.
Playground mulch, as the name entails, is meant for areas where high-energy activities occur. Playground mulch helps absorb the impact of potentially dangerous falls and doesn’t scratch the skin like regular mulches.
Leaf mulch will last the shortest amount of time in your garden while retaining more moisture than colored and hardwood mulch. Ideally, you’ll want to utilize leaf mulch during the cold, windy months of the year.