While preparing your landscaping for the summer, you might be contemplating what products you need to achieve the design you want. With options like mulch and topsoil, it can be difficult to determine which is right for your project if you don’t understand the differences between the two. Before starting your next landscaping project, here’s what you should know about both topsoil and mulch.

Topsoil

Topsoil is the term given to describe the layer of decomposed matter found between the subsoil and the surface. This product is high in nutrients and organic materials and is used to encourage plants to thrive and grow. However, there are different types of topsoil, which means the quality can also vary. Superior topsoil has been screened carefully and should not contain any weed seeds and will be full and rich in nutrients. For new beds, borders, or lawns, general purpose soil is typically recommended because it has a coarser texture. Economy grade topsoil is not screened and could be of little use because the nutrient count is unknown, which is why it’s not typically recommended for serious landscaping projects.

Mulch

Mulch is a product you apply to the soil surface and offers both protective and aesthetic benefits to landscaping projects. Mulch can be comprised of various materials, including bark, wood chips, shredded yard materials, and sawdust. In addition to setting a tone for the look of your yard’s landscaping, mulch also provides shade for plant roots and reduces possible moisture loss due to evaporation from the sun’s rays. It’s important to consider the different types of mulch when selecting the right one for your project because some compete with plants for nutrients, such as natural wood mulch.

If you’re ready to kick-start your summer landscaping projects but aren’t sure whether you would benefit from topsoil or mulch, talk to the professionals at Tom’s Bobcat & Snowplowing in La Crosse, WI. With more than 35 years of experience, the professionals at this company offer year-round services, from landscaping design to snowplowing and removal. To learn more about how they can help you complete your landscaping plans, visit them online or call (608) 785-1888.