While lawn maintenance leaves plenty of room for creativity and improvisation, there are a few golden rules you should always adhere to. Mulching, in particular, is an indispensable technique for homeowners and gardening enthusiasts. Laying down a fresh layer every spring will help gardens of all sizes and varieties thrive.

Why Mulching Is a Vital Part of Lawn Maintenance

1. Improved Soil Structure

One of the most important contributions mulch makes to lawn maintenance involves naturally furthering the development of soil. Mulch keeps dirt moist, allowing the life within it to thrive. As this happens, the mulch decomposes and breaks down, improving the structure of the soil to create a nutrient-rich growing area for plants. Continually adding fresh mulch moderates temperatures and improves filtration. 

2. Weed Prevention

Weeds typically grow in bare soil as a means of recovering systems that are damaged or at risk. Since mulching promotes healthier soil systems, the weed seeds below aren't stimulated in the first place, meaning you’ll spend less time pruning these unwanted visitors. 

3. Reduced Evaporation & Erosion

Due to the way mulch keeps soil moist and takes the majority of the sun's heat each day, overall evaporation is effectively reduced. The reinforced soil — which requires less water than un-mulched areas — will also stay in place thanks to the slowing of the erosion process. With protection from the wind and a lower likelihood of rain washing away large chunks of soil, your garden will flourish throughout the year. 

A nicely mulched garden with prosperous plants is a beautiful sight, which is exactly what you want to get out of your hard work. Next time you need some professional help with that work, contact the landscaping contractors at Scalia's Landscape in Batavia, NY. View a gallery of their outstanding results online, and call them at (585) 343-3106 to speak with a staff member today.