While those long days of summer sunshine promote plant growth, the intense heat can cause harm. By increasing the soil temperature, the roots can overheat and kill the plant from underneath. Mulching is a valuable tool in protecting your greenery, so this is a landscape maintenance project well worth your time at the beginning of the season.

Your Guide to Summer Mulching

What It Is

Mulch is a type of material that you can spread over the ground as a covering. It can be either organic or inorganic, but the organic materials tend to provide the best benefits for a garden by decomposing into the soil and releasing nutrients.

One popular type is bark, for use around trees and shrubs. It may be shredded or chipped and will last longer than other materials by decomposing more slowly. Compost is ideal for flower or garden beds where you may be digging in the future, since it’s easy to move to the side. This material will slowly release nutrients into the soil.  Straw and hay are effective options for a vegetable garden. They keep the beds from getting muddy and by decomposing slowly, will last for the entire season until the garden is ready to be harvested.

How It Protects Your Roots

Mulch creates a barrier between the soil and the sun. This helps moderate the soil temperature, keeping it from getting dangerously hot and protecting the roots from getting overheated. It also retains the moisture in the soil by preventing evaporation. By keeping that moisture down by the soil, your watering system will be more effective. You can prevent water waste and keep your plants hydrated.

Having a professional handle your mulching will ensure it’s done properly without compromising your greenery. Pasadena Gardening & Tree Services offers complete a garden service for homeowners in the Los Angeles County, CA, area. Their experts will keep your garden beautiful and healthy year round. Browse reviews of the landscaping company online or call (626) 449-4340 to schedule a service.