Waco, Texas (PRWEB) July 09, 2014 -- Mulch is a great way to control weed growth, erosion, and moisture retention in your flower beds, but it can be difficult to maintain and care for if the right type isn’t chosen. This advice from The Grounds Guys can help homeowners choose the best mulch for their garden and ensure it is put down efficiently and effectively.
Decide between organic and inorganic mulch
Bark, leaves, and newspaper are the most common types of organic mulches. Organic mulch adds nutrients to your garden as it decomposes, but needs to be reapplied often. Inorganic mulches, like rubber or stone, decompose less quickly than organic mulches and have many of the same benefits, though they don’t add nutrients to your garden’s soil. The characteristics of each type of mulch vary, so make sure to do research and choose mulch based on what your garden needs most.
Determine how much weed prevention is needed
Most types of mulch offer some protection against weeds, but there are other things you can do to stop the growth of those pesky intruders. Adding a layer of newspaper under regular mulch can help keep weeds out of your garden. Using newspaper keeps you from using as much traditional mulch, and is generally better at suppressing weeds than mulch alone. Landscape fabric and plastic can also be used below a traditional mulch to keep weeds from growing in gardens. However, leaves, grass, and dirt can get on top of the fabric or plastic and decompose, leaving a place for weeds to grow.
Consider appearance and maintenance
The appearance of your mulch is just as important as the function. Shredded leaves are organic and easy to get, but many people consider them unattractive so they shouldn’t be used in formal gardens. Stone mulches can be useful and eye-catching in many gardens, but need to be cleared often of leaves and other debris to look tidy. The amount of time you are willing to put into maintaining your yard is a big factor in the type of mulch you should select.
Choosing the right mulch can help your garden look great for seasons to come. Trust The Grounds Guys to help you make a decision that will benefit your plants and impress your neighbors.
Kimberly Denman, The Dwyer Group, +1 (254) 537-0609, [email protected]
Share this article