A good way to take care of flowerbeds and beauty your landscaping is by using mulch. Commercial products are readily available at many home improvement stores and garden centers. Naturally occurring products can also be used and are cheap or free, such as leaves or grass clippings. Many people use a commercial product because it will give them the look they want in their yard.

Mulch can help prevent water loss from soil by keeping it from evaporating. It can also keep the soil at a more even temperature, keeping it cooler in summer and warmer in winter. If it is free of weed seeds, as most commercial products are, it can prevent weed growth if spread on deeply.

Mulch can also improve the quality of the soil, if it is an organic product. As the product decays it turns into topsoil, which makes the soil beneath more nutrient-rich. In areas where soil easily becomes compacted or has a lot of clay, it can keep soil loose, allowing for better root health.

Mulch can keep the surface of the soil from crusting over, which allows for better water absorption. It can also add beauty and interest to a landscape, depending upon the product. They come in different types and colors, improving aesthetics while keeping plants healthier.

There are two basic types: inorganic and organic. Inorganic products include rocks, gravel, and landscaping fabric. They do not decompose but may need to be replaced or replenished every few years if by a roadway or sidewalk.

Organic mulches are made of natural things such as bark, pine needles, and grass clippings. They do attract insects and the birds that eat the insects. Over time they do decompose and need to be replenished or replaced.

Leaves can be used as effective mulch for weed control. They can be shredded using a lawn mower or shredder. They are easy to get, most anyone will give away leaves, and they will also decompose, making rich topsoil. To replenish, turn them into the dirt and then add a fresh layer on top.

Bark or wood chips and pieces are easily found commercially and fairly common in yards. They are usually colored, such as red or black. Different sizes are available, from large chunks to shredded pieces. In a good rain, large pieces will float away, so choose the best product for your needs. The smaller the size, the faster they will decompose, and need to be replaced.

Small pebbles and gravel are also used as mulch and can be bought fairly cheaply. Some concrete suppliers will sell gravel much cheaper than a landscaping or garden store. These will reflect the sun’s rays and make the yard much warmer in the summer.

Another method of mulching is to use black plastic. This is usually put under bark or rock, however. It can keep soil from absorbing water or keep it too wet, so small holes may need to be put in the plastic. If it gets a lot of sun it will break down, so is almost always used under another product.

Ideally, mulch should be put down when the plants are newly installed. However, in the case of existing plants or trees, the early spring is ideal. This can inhibit weed growth. Overall, it is a good way to create interesting landscaping while maintaining the health of your plants.

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