If you’re concerned with maintaining the health and beauty of your landscape, mulch is crucial to your success. According to Jay’s Firewood & Mulch—a 48-hour mulch delivery service in St. Louis, MO, this invaluable material is used to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and improve the overall appearance of yards.

As there are many different types of mulch, from shredded hardwood mulch to chopped leaves, it’s important to know how each one will affect your lawn. Here, this leading mulch delivery service explains the benefits of their three most popular materials:

• Chopped or Shredded Leaf Mulch: Autumn leaves are a prime source of organic matter—in addition to looking beautiful, they make excellent mulch for gardens. Leaves are packed with trace minerals that feed earthworms and other helpful landscape microbes. Shredded leaf mulch is also widely adaptable, as it can lighten heavy soils and help sandy soils retain moisture.
• Seed-Free Straw or Hay Mulch: Straw is easy to spread and acts as a soil insulator. It also tends to remain light, fluffy, and dry as it decomposes. Hay, on the other hand, contains plenty of plant nutrients, as it is composed of long grasses, legumes, and other flowers that are cut and dried. When hay begins to decompose, it releases these nutrients and improves your soil’s fertility.
• Shredded Hardwood Mulch: Although you shouldn’t apply shredded hardwood mulch directly to growing garden beds, it is ideal for lining pathways. This strain of mulch tends to break down after it serves to benefit the soil. While hardwood is helpful, steer clear of fine sawdust, as it creates a carbon-nitrogen imbalance in soil.

To learn more about common mulching materials and decide which is best for your landscape, call Jay’s Firewood & Mulch at (573) 547-1900. You can also visit their website to learn more about their mulch delivery and seasoned firewood services.