Why Is Mulching Plant Beds Important?

3/1/2016

Applying mulch to plant beds is key to maintaining healthy, attractive landscaping. Below are some specific benefits of properly applied mulch:

Mulch helps retain moisture, which leads to healthier plant stock.
A layer of mulch around plantings reduces weed growth.
Mulch adds nutrients to the soil due to its natural decay.
A well-mulched bed prevents plant stock from getting hit or damaged from lawn equipment; for that reason, creating tree rings around trees is suggested.

In addition to the above, mulch adds beauty and uniformity to landscaping at a minimal cost.

Some Do’s And Don’ts Of Mulching:
Do’s:

When mulching trees, mulch surrounding the trunk should look like a donut-a uniform circle.
Keep the mulch to a thickness of 1-2” around the base of trees, shrubs and perennials to prevent decay of the bark layer causing poor growth. Overall, keep mulch at a maximum thickness of 4”-- any more will restrict the access of oxygen to the soil and plant roots.
Try to have an edge for the mulch to sit along to prevent it from migrating out into the lawn.
If re-mulching beds, it may be necessary to remove some of the old mulch to allow for proper depth when installing fresh mulch in plant bed areas.

Don’ts:

Avoid excessive build up of mulch around base of trees and shrubs. (Volcano effect)
Using chipped wood from a local municipality is not recommended for typical decorative plant beds. Using these chips may bring in viral infections that a tree had when removed and chipped; in addition, unwanted growth of saplings will also occur.
Do not use mulch over landscape fabric in the hope of improving the soil. When the mulch decomposes it cannot enter the soil if there is a fabric barrier between it and the soil. Mulch will also break down creating allowing weeds to germinate above landscape fabric.

Hope the above information will help assist in a healthy and attractive landscape for you. If interested in having your beds mulch or just delivered, please contact us. Thanks!

24 Comments

Braden Bills link

2/17/2021 09:20:16 am

I've been having a hard time getting my garden to grow nicely. It makes sense that I would want to consider having mulch put in would be beneficial! I can see how that could help nourish my plants effectively.

Rebecca Gardner link

3/2/2021 02:39:34 pm

It's good to know that mulch is capable of adding nutrients to the soil as it decays. My husband and I want to do some research about landscaping and gardening since we moved to a home with a large yard about two weeks ago. Your article helped me understand some of the benefits mulching could provide for our yard, os thanks for sharing this info!

kate hansen link

4/6/2021 05:12:48 pm

It's good to know that it can help with retaining moisture! My sister recently started a garden in her backyard a couple of weeks ago, and she was telling me last night about how she wants to learn more information on how to take care of it. I'll make sure to pass this information along to her so that she can look into using mulch for her garden!

Henry Killingsworth link

8/10/2021 02:38:48 pm

It was really interesting to me when you mentioned that mulch can provide nutrients that plants can use as it decays. It seems like you would want to lay mulch down after you have planted everything you want in an area. That way you can have the ideal mulch coverage which will help your plants the most.

Adam Golightly link

8/12/2021 03:59:16 pm

My mom really wants to grow some better tomatoes this year because she loves making homemade tomato soup. She would really like to get some mulch for the plants because she wants to get the extra support to get the nutrients they need. I liked what you said about her plants will be healthier because it adds nutrients, reduces weeds, retains moisture, and makes the area look a lot better.

Zachary Tomlinson link

1/23/2022 04:16:46 am

My brother asked me for advice on how to start his planned fruit farm around his yard. I never knew that investing in a mulch can help prevent weeds from growing around his garden. Maybe we should look around for a landscaping company that can help us out once he's ready to start.

Afton Jackson link

2/25/2022 06:21:55 pm

Your helpful tips about how to use mulching for trees were really interesting. Trees really matter a lot to us here on our property, so I would love to learn more methods on how to keep them healthy. I'll make sure I consult a landscape expert in the area so I can learn how to mulch properly.

Calgary Landscaping link

9/19/2022 07:11:15 am

We use mulch in many of our projects and find that our customers quit like it as a cheaper laternative.

Denver Landscaping Services link

10/1/2022 09:14:54 am

Super article. I apprecite you sharing your knowledge.

Landscaping Near Me link

11/16/2022 06:09:18 pm

Great detailed website for reference guys.

https://treeserviceowensboro.com link

12/9/2022 11:55:54 am

What a great detailed article. I appreciate you sharing.

Edmonton Stepping Stones link

1/5/2023 01:27:43 pm

Thanks for sharing this insightful post.

Medicine Hat Landscaping link

1/6/2023 12:46:37 pm

Great Work on this article. Thank you for sharing.

Mia Evans link

1/28/2023 12:20:48 am

I like that you talked about how the mulching materials will keep the plot from getting hit by any lawn equipment. In that case, I should be including that when I hire a landscaping worker for my front lawn. It has been a couple of months ever since the grass there has been damaged which is why I want it fixed this spring season.

Landscaping Red Deer link

1/31/2023 10:52:03 am

Nice article! thanks for sharing the post!

Millie Hue link

2/2/2023 03:00:14 am

It got me when you said that the plant stocks will not get damaged when mulching is placed over them, especially when lawn equipment would be used for the area where they are planted. I will make sure that I will hire a landscaping contractor that does that, because I want my garden to grow vegetables and herbs in the long run. It's my goal to eat healthier this year now that I am turning 30, soon.

Medicine Hat Landscaping link

2/6/2023 01:16:33 pm

Thank you for sharing this.

Brayam link

2/11/2023 11:01:59 am

I have been applying mulch to all of my landscaping for years and i can agree that this is very important and has kept my lawn very healthy throughout the years.

Sheena link

2/26/2023 08:13:32 am

I used mulch before and found out some unwanted growth of saplings. Now I know, this is because I used chipped wood before. Thank you so much for sharing a very helpful blog.

landscapers Edmonton link

3/22/2023 07:14:40 am

To learn more about the benefits of mulching plant beds and why it's so crucial to keeping your garden thriving, check out the site provided. The piece discusses the benefits of mulch, including its ability to reduce water loss through evaporation, prevent the spread of weeds, and moderate soil temperatures. The author also offers helpful advice for mulching flower areas.

Daisy James link

3/23/2023 04:19:44 pm

It was helpful when you said to not have an excessive mulch build-up. My cousin was at my house yesterday afternoon for a visit, and he talked about how he and his wife want to start working on a garden together within the next couple of weeks. I'll pass this information along to him so they can know how to use mulch properly.

Greg Werks link

4/17/2023 05:05:07 am

Many people don't figure out how vital mulching plant beds can be, but I know quite a lot about this. And indeed, the benefits are endless.

Greg Werks link

5/23/2023 04:35:38 am

It's 2023, people! And if you still need to learn why mulching plant beds is essential, you will be in the wrong place. All in all, mulching is essential!

Landscaping CalgaryAb link

5/30/2023 03:30:15 pm

"Great post! Thanks for sharing this awesome article.
"

ASk Eric