5 Ways Mulch Saves Time And Money

Spring is here and many yard-owners across Canada are itching to work on the soil. Mulch is great bang for your buck with 5 main benefits that are outlined below, as well as the additional benefits of preventing soil compaction and promoting root growth. Strong plants are happy plants that can withstand disease, pests, drought, and other damaging elements.
While budget must be considered, appearance, break down rates and maintenance should also be factors in choosing the right mulch. Some mulches are bio-degradable, some will need to be replaced or freshened more frequently than others. Before mulch is applied, be sure to remove any weeds first, and leave small gaps around the plants you want to keep. Some mulches that were recommended in the past for durability have been found to leach chemicals into the soil over time and may need to be removed before they break down. Mulch applied too deep can rot and cause harm to plants.

What are the benefits of mulch?

Saves Water
In the hot dog-days of summer, maintaining soil moisture is crucial for a green yard. A good layer of mulch helps retain moisture in the soil and acts as a barrier between the soil and the elements. Mulch insulates your plants and makes the best use of rainfall to lessen the amount of extra water that’s needed. Mulch also helps the rain and water reach the soil instead of running off or splashing away from plants.

Weed Control
One of the primary benefits for using mulch is reducing and controlling weeds. Mulch significantly reduces seed germination in undesirable locations. The weeds that manage to grow on top of the mulch will have weak roots and easily removed. A few invasive types of weeds, such as dandelions, may reach through the mulch so those need to be watched for, but mulch will dramatically lessen their spread.

Regulate Soil Temperatures
Consistent soil temperatures promote root growth and plant resilience. Mulch keeps the soil cool in the summer and warm in the fall and spring when temperatures can fluctuate by ten degrees or more in 24 hours. Regulating soil temperatures means the growing season in spring and fall are extended allowing new plants to grow better and stronger roots.  

Add Nutrients Through Decomposition
There are a variety of organic and inorganic mulches available. For those who want to add nutrients back into the soil, choosing an organic mulch such as bark, leaves, or crushed shells is a great idea. Mulch is available in a variety of sizes, and generally speaking the smaller the pieces the faster it will break down.

Curb Appeal
As stated, mulches come in a variety of sizes, materials, and even colours. Whether a uniform look or contrasting textures is desired there’s a mulch to fit the need. Keep in mind that larger sized mulches will look best paired with larger plants like bushes and trees. Smaller bedding plants will remain the focus with a small sized mulch.

Are you ready to get started on your Nutri-Lawn Ottawa lawn maintenance services? Contact Nutri-Lawn Ottawa today for your complimentary quote.