All About Mulch

As a commercial property manager, residential homeowner, or municipal official, the task of rejuvenating your landscape can feel daunting. With a million different options and ways to begin, it is tough to know where to start. Would it not be nice to have some clear essentials that pave the way for further development? The answer is simple; mulch. If your property lacks mulch currently, or it needs to be restored, then this should be the first item on the to-do list. It is a universal landscaping material for a reason because it has such undeniable benefits. In this blog we will go over mulch from top to bottom, letting you know why it is found on every landscape across the country.

What is Mulch: Types and Subtypes

Everyone knows what mulch is, right? It is seen in just about every plant and tree bed out there. However, technically it is just anything used as a spread over the top of the soil in one of these beds. It comes not only in the organic varieties that are more common but also inorganic types. These organic options add just one benefit, leaving nutrients behind in the soil as they decompose. Easy examples of these are the bark, pine straw, and wood chips. In terms of inorganic options, these are most commonly decorative rock or rubber mulch. They will definitely be more durable and last longer.

Benefits of Mulching on Any Property

Because every property possesses plant beds, mulch can offer something to every property type. Before we even get into the functional benefits of mulch, we have to comment on its aesthetics. These are important for both commercial and municipal properties, for obvious reasons. When it is spread over plant beds with edging also integrated, it creates uniformity and structure in the property that would not otherwise be there. On top of that, mulch also does a ton for plant health. It keeps pests and weeds out of plant beds, all while preventing soil erosion. Mulch also does a great job of insulating the soil from extreme temperatures. For example in the summer mulch will keep moisture retained, while also keeping out the extreme cold in the winter. Additionally, as we mentioned before organic mulch adds an extra benefit of decomposition. When this happens organic matter is left in the soil, which fosters important biodiversity for the root systems. Conversely, inorganic mulch offers you the longevity to not be replaced for many, many years. We also think decorative rock looks very classy.

Where to Mulch?

The answer to this question is simple, everywhere you can. This means in every plant bed, and around every tree. Tree mulching is less common, but placing a ring of edging around the base along with a layer of mulch will really add to that uniformity we talked about earlier. It will also offer all the same benefits to the health of those tree roots. For more specific questions, our team would love to consult you on mulching your landscape.

Pezza Landscape, Inc. is a full-service landscaping company proudly serving the Chicagoland area and its surrounding suburbs. Give us a call at (630) 393-7373 or visit our website to get in touch.