Mulching your flower beds and the areas around your trees and plants provides aesthetic and practical value. However, homeowners may undervalue this material if they don’t know exactly what it is and what purpose it serves. If you have questions about mulch or its uses in your landscaping, here are answers to some of the top questions.

What Homeowners Should Know About Mulching

What is mulch composed of?

Most mulch is made from hardwood chips and/or bark. These materials are shred into small pieces so they can easily spread out over garden beds. However, there are also mulches made from other organic materials like grass clippings, sawdust, and gravel.

What are its benefits?

Mulching the ground helps your plants by insulating the soil. It allows for proper drainage and protects vulnerable plants from extreme weather or water loss. It can also help with weed control. Though it will not stop weeds entirely, it can minimize their impact and make them easier to spot and pull. Organic mulches like those made from wood chips also provide valuable nutrients to the soil as they break down, and they improve the look of outdoor spaces by adding color and texture.

When is the best time to mulch?

Usually, it’s best to mulch during spring, when the temperatures have started to rise but haven’t hit their peak yet. This allows the soil to warm up and roots to thaw slightly but provides protection from extreme heat before summer hits.

What types of mulch are available?

When it comes to hardwood mulch, you can usually choose between a few colors, including dark brown, light brown, and red. Some of these materials are partially decomposed, so they’re a bit softer and better suited for adding nutrients to the soil. Others are fresh and solid, providing stronger protection to flower beds and tree roots. There are also some mulches made from stones, plastic, and rubber.

If you think your outdoor space could benefit from mulching, contact Arselli's Landscape & Design in Chillicothe, OH. With more than 25 years of experience, the landscape design company offers a wide array of services to homeowners throughout the area, including garden design, deck and patio building, and landscape lighting. The team customizes its unique designs specifically to meet the needs of each client, and they always emphasize quality materials and workmanship. View a full list of services online or call (740) 775-8177 to request service. For updates, follow them on Facebook.