Refreshing or improving landscaping by putting down fresh mulch has become an annual rite of spring, and for good reason. Few landscaping projects have the immediate and lasting – well, for a year or so – impact that new mulch can have when spread around trees, flowers and landscaping elements. Fresh and clean, new mulch is in harmony for the annual season of renewal.

But before you reflexively order a delivery of new mulch, devote some time to learning a bit more about mulch so you can select the product that best works for you, your home, and your landscaping.

Mulch Can Ease Your Workload

A primary benefit of using mulch is that it can greatly reduce the work you’ll face when it comes to controlling or eliminating weeds. A three- to four-inch layer of mulch will prevent the seeds of many types of weeds from germinating. Mulch is no guarantee of weedless landscaping, but it will usually greatly slow the spread and growth of most species of weeds.

Mulch also provides a protective layer for topsoil, and holds water in the soil, which means less frequent watering for you, saving you time and the expense associated with constant watering during the hot and sunny summer months in the Midwest.

Mulch Can Improve Soil Quality

By using organic mulch, you’ll add nutrient rich material to the topsoil surrounding your trees, plants and landscaping elements. Organic mulch decomposes and as it breaks down vital nutrients seep into the topsoil, feeding plants.

Aged organic mulch is usually a partially decomposed wood product. Aged organics almost immediately begin adding important nutrients to soil and are especially beneficial for poor, anemic soil.

One downside to organic mulch is that most will turn gray in approximately one year, depending upon how much sunlight it receives. Many varieties of mulch are processed and dyed with vegetable dye, often a reddish or brown color. It’s important to note that while they hold their color for longer than non-dyed mulch, the dye may run a bit during the first few rainfalls.

Don’t Forget About Rock

While rock doesn’t offer the nutritional value that organic mulch does, it has some advantages that shouldn’t be overlooked.

First, rock lasts. And lasts. Rock will not decompose over time as does organic mulch. It can, when used on a sloping area, wash away by heavy rainfalls. This is especially true of small rock or pea gravel. However, by selecting larger, chunky rock you can minimize this problem.

Second, rock is available in countless colors and sizes. Rock is available in sizes ranging from pea gravel to softball-sized ballast, and larger.  And while rock doesn’t decompose over time and can stay in place well, it still helps soil retain moisture and it combats the growth of weeds much like organic mulch.

The downside to rock is that it can be more expensive than organic mulch. And, if you choose to spread rock yourself, you’ll find it is heavy work. Of course, it likely won’t be an annual task. Finally, rock can get extremely hot when exposed to direct sunlight during hot days. This can damage shallow plant roots.

Mulch Is Excellent, But Not Everywhere

One of mulch’s great properties is that it helps soil retain water. However, too much moisture in soil can be a problem in some situations.

Some species of trees, plants and shrubs can’t handle damp or wet soil. In addition, extremely damp soil can encourage root rot, and the growth of various types of fungus, mildews and molds, as well as pests such as slugs.

Mulch Offers An Aesthetic Advantage

One constant with mulch or rock is that it adds to the looks and beauty of a home and its landscaping. Fresh mulch or rock gives any property a neat, finished look. Putting down fresh mulch is a great first step in kicking off the spring “landscaping season.”

Need Mulch? Contact Hansen’s Tree Service Today!

If you’re ready to freshen your landscaping, first take the time to choose the best color mulch for your home. Hansen’s offers an online “mulch matcher” that enables you to see a preview image of how a specific color of mulch will look with a color of a sample home. The mulch matcher is a fantastic, easy to use tool that eliminates all doubt about mulch color.

We also offer a mulch calculator that enables you to order the proper amount of organic mulch for your home. Keep in mind, we only offer high quality, organic mulches. Bulk mulch is available for pick up at our O’Fallon and Arnold locations, and from at Kirkwood Material Supply and World Outdoor Emporium locations. Contact us today!