Mulching provides a host of benefits to your landscaping efforts. When applied correctly mulch has the following effects on plants and soils. Did you know, mulches prevent loss of water from the soil by evaporation? Mulching can minimize the infestation of weeds into a weed free flower bed and when applied properly can prevent weed germination altogether. Mulches also help your lawn and landscaping not only in the spring and fall, but also during the summer time by keeping the soil cooler during the summer period.

In the winter, mulches serve to insulate the soil and keep it warmer preventing winter frost damage. During summer, lawn maintenance mulches are more than a good idea as they protect the trunks of trees and shrubs from physical damage by lawn equipment. All in all mulches are a good idea.

The best time to mulch new plantings is right after you plant them. Around established plants mulch is best applied in early spring. This is when plants are beginning to grow and before summer weeds have a chance to germinate.

Mulch only needs to be replenished as it begins to decompose and depends on the different types of mulch material. Grass clippings and leaves decompose very fast and need to be replenished frequently. Inorganic mulches, such as gravel and pebbles rarely need replenishing as the plants grow and fill in bed area; less and less mulch is required.

The amount of mulch to apply depends on the texture and density of the mulch material. Many wood and bark mulches are composed of fine particles and should not be more than 2 to 3 inches deep. Excessive amounts of these fine textured mulches can suffocate plant roots; resulting in yellowing of the leaves and poor growth.

Coarse textured mulches such as pine bark nuggets allow good air movement through them and can be as deep as 4 inches. Mulches composed of grass clippings or shredded leaves should never be deeper than 2 inches as these materials tend to mat together restricting the water and air supply to plant roots.

Mulching is a practice that gardners, landscapers, and homeowners all take part in. It's an easy way to upgrade your yard and a smart idea to help protect and nurture your trees, shrubs, and plants. It's also a great way to boost the curb appeal of your home.