Many people think about what plants to purchase and which rocks to place along their shorelines when planning landscaping. Don’t forget to add mulch to your list of essentials to buy. This multipurpose gardening element is essential, no matter where you live in Minnesota. 

Why Should You Use Landscaping Mulch?

1. Reducing Weed Growth 

Mulch is available in inorganic and organic varieties. You can install shredded bark and grass clippings, compost, or shredded pieces of recycled car tires. These materials will limit UV light penetration, lowering the number of weeds that can grow around your plant or trees.

2. Improving Moisture Retention

Organic mulch is absorbent, whether you use straw and grass clippings or pine needles and sawdust. When you water plants surrounded by mulch, the pieces will hold moisture, protecting the plants or trees from drying out.

3. Lowering Soil Erosion

Many properties experience erosion as heavy rains drown the landscaping and force the soil to erode as it drifts off in rivulets of rainwater. Mulch limits erosion by protecting the ground and weighing it down. Your garden is more likely to grow when it has constant access to nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorus, from well-established soil.

4. Increasing Curb Appeal

Mulches unite landscaping, creating a flow between flower beds, even if they’re not touching. Pick one type and color of mulch and use it throughout the yard to increase curb appeal.

Select a hue that contrasts the border fence, garden pavement, or house to improve aesthetics further. Dark brown mulch looks excellent with green plants, while lighter hued wood chips pair well with a dark-colored home.

5. Bettering Soil Nutrients

Organic mulches, like straw and wood chips, will slowly break down over time. As they decompose, they’ll become organic matter in the soil. If the dirt has been neglected, and you don’t use fertilizer, invest in compost mulch to provide natural nutrients, like magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus, that are critical for plant development.

Homeowners interested in mulching their gardens should contact JK Landscape Construction in Wright County, MN. The locally owned and operated team offers soft- and hard-scaping, from creating patios to designing beautiful raised flowerbeds. Call the Clearwater-area landscaping team at (320) 558-4445 or visit the website for information on their shore restoration and plant care offerings.