Whether you’re new to gardening or an experienced veteran, you’ve likely heard of mulching before. Mulch is a combination of materials, such as grass clipping, wood chips, or sawdust, that’s placed over soil to facilitate a healthier, happier garden. Here’s why mulching is an essential part of gardening and how you can use it to your advantage.

Why Mulching Matters

1. Reduces Weed Growth

Applying mulch over a section of weeds can suffocate them and prevent new growth. Adding an herbicide to the application will effectively eliminate any chance of weeds growing in your yard. However, a herbicide can inhibit fruit or vegetable growth, so it shouldn’t be placed too close to your garden. The layer of mulch should be about 3 inches thick and evenly applied to stop the weeds from finding their way through.

2. Retains Moisture

When used appropriately, mulching can conserve a large amount of water and is considered an environmentally friendly option for soaking up moisture. A thin layer of mulch blocks out the sun, but doesn’t interfere with irrigation.

Since water sits within the soil for an extended amount of time, your plants won’t need to be watered as often. All plants can benefit from extra moisture in the ground, including grass and flowers.

3. Controls Pests

Certain types of mulch can deter pests because of the natural oils and smells present in wood and grass clippings. For example, mulch with cedar bark can repel insects. However, too much can attract termites. Because mulch comes in many different combinations of materials, its results can vary depending on your landscaping needs. 

An experienced lawn care company will sprinkle the appropriate amount and correct combination of mulch on your property. Jake’s Lawn Care in Fort Worth, TX, offers complete lawn services to improve the look and health of your lawn. They can repair and maintain your property by providing services such as irrigation systems, lawn mowing, disease control, fertilization, sodding, landscaping, and water feature installation. Call (817) 292-2711 to speak to a representative or visit their website to view a gallery of their past work.