Discover the benefits of garden mulch.
Mulch may not be the most romantic part of the garden, but it really is the icing on the cake. Mulch preserves precious soil moisture – something dear to Kansas City homeowners during the present drought conditions.
A mulch layer that clothes a perennial bed, surrounds a tree or that carpets a row of brightly flowering annuals creates a finished appearance to the overall landscape. Mulch prevents soil erosion and maintains a tidy appearance even when plants are dormant.
Mulch is an environmentally friendly way in which to control weeds, and one that will save the homeowner time and effort.
Mulch modulates soil temperature, offering plants respite from sizzling summer temperatures and protecting plant roots from winter’s chill. Rock mulches, for example, tends to retain heat and reflect light, and are ideal for succulent or sun-loving plants. On the other hand, a deep layer of shredded bark keeps soil cool. This can delay flowering of trees or shrubs in the spring, something that may help protect new buds from being nipped by a late spring frost.
There are many mulch options from which to choose. The choice of materials to use as mulch should be part of the homeowner’s landscaping plan.
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