Mulch Harrisburg PA slows soil erosion, enriches the soil, helps retain moisture and weeds, and fosters root growth. Organic mulches like leaves, straw, and composted bark mulch add nutrients to the soil as they decompose.
Various studies have shown that using organic mulches enhances the microbial communities in the soil and improves its nutrient balance. It also reduces the need for pesticides and fungicides.
Reduces Soil Erosion
Mulch keeps weeds down and slows the movement of water and soil particles. It also moderates soil temperature, prompting greater root development. And because it keeps evaporation from the top of the soil to a minimum, plants do not have to be watered as frequently.
Many municipalities have programs that deliver organic mulch and compost to homeowners at a reduced cost. Municipal mulch materials are often derived from leaves, grass clippings, and chopped brush collected in fall and spring. If your city has such a program, make sure to use it!
Grass and straw mulches can be purchased in large bales or in smaller “flakes” that are easier to spread. Make a compost pile beside your garden to add these materials to and speed up the natural decaying process.
Organic mulches conserve moisture and feed plants, earthworms, and other soil microbes by providing them with a source of energy. As these organisms digest the organic matter in the mulch they produce a sticky substance that binds soil particles into a crumb-like structure and improves water infiltration.
Inorganic or non-biodegradable mulches do not enhance soil fertility and structure but they do help suppress weed growth, retain moisture, and look decorative. Rocks, pebbles, slate, shingle, and gravel are popular choices. These materials are usually screened to remove coarse debris and may be available in different colors to suit your garden’s aesthetic.
Wood bark is another common mulch material, especially in the North. It can be bought in shredded or chunk form. It is a good choice for flower beds, shrubs, and trees. It is a popular choice for highly visible garden areas and helps keep down weeds. It does decompose more slowly than some other organic mulches but it is still a good choice for most applications.
Increases Soil Fertilization
Mulching adds organic matter to the soil and improves the structure of the ground. It improves aeration, helps retain moisture, and provides a home for beneficial organisms. It also reduces soil erosion, moderates temperature extremes, and prevents frost heaving in the winter. Mulch can even help plants grow faster.
There are many types of mulch, from organic to inorganic. Some types of mulch include bark and wood chips, compost, grass clippings, leaves, pine needles, cocoa hulls, coffee grounds, newspaper, or cardboard. Most of these materials break down over time and enrich the soil. Organic mulches, such as grass clippings and leaves, provide slow-release nutrients that keep the plant healthier, whereas inorganic mulches are made from non-decomposable materials like plastic sheeting, landscape fabric, rubber chips, non-woven geotextiles, and rock.
Once in place, mulch provides a barrier that inhibits weed growth and germination. It acts as a sponge and stores water in the ground, which keeps the soil hydrated in hot summer months. This can help save you money on your water bill and conserve the environment, too.
Before applying mulch, aerate the soil and remove any weeds from the area. Then, lay a two-inch layer over the entire bed. Spread it evenly and use a hand rake or wheelbarrow to distribute the material. If you’re using a rake, make sure it has shorter tines to reach into tight spaces and hard-to-reach areas. A bow rake is the best choice for this job since it’s designed to spread mulch easily without leaving bumps or lumps behind. A light layer of mulch also gives a finished look to your garden beds and landscaping. To avoid rotting, do not pile mulch up against the base of trees and shrubs.
Reduces Weed Growth
Mulching suppresses weed growth by blocking sunlight, which is required for weed seeds to germinate. Mulch also reduces the evaporation of soil moisture from the top few inches of the soil, so less water is lost and plant roots have the chance to absorb it. Even a light layer of mulch can keep pesky weeds from chomping at plants and herbs.
Many organic materials can be used as mulch to reduce weeds. They may include compost, shredded leaves, or grass clippings (free from chemical herbicides), straw, well-rotted manure, hay, or wood chips. Organic materials break down and enrich the soil as they decompose, so they require a bit more maintenance than inorganic mulches such as gravel or rubber.
The type of mulch you choose will depend on where it is used and your gardening goals. For example, if you have clay or nutrient-deficient soil, the best mulch for you might be a mix of hay, compost, shredded bark, wood chips, and dried leaves, which will all release nutrients as they decompose and help improve the crumb structure of the soil.
For a flower or vegetable garden, the right mulch will enhance the appearance of the beds and create a neat, appealing look to your landscape. The type of mulch you choose should complement the color of your house and your overall garden theme and setting. The mulch should be free of weeds and disease-causing organisms, so you should always check for them before using it. Also, you will want to check for pesticide residues. If you do find a problem, use a pre-emergent herbicide to kill the weeds before they get too large. This will save you time and effort when it comes to weeding.
Prevents Soil Damage
Mulch protects bare soil from damage caused by wind, rain, and foot traffic. It prevents erosion and compaction, which helps keep soil nutrient-rich and aerated. It also moderates soil temperatures, which prompts greater root growth. And it reduces evaporation of soil water, which saves time and money by reducing the need for watering.
Organic mulches, made from leaves, grass clippings, shredded bark or wood chips, or chopped hay or straw are a great choice for flower beds and vegetable gardens. They provide a pleasant, natural look to the garden. And, since they break down over time, they add organic matter to the soil and help suppress weeds.
Inorganic, or rock, mulches, such as pea gravel, river rocks, and crushed granite are a good option for pathways, between garden beds and in xeriscaping. They are inexpensive, last for a long time, and look sharp.
Some types of plant material, such as pine needles and shredded leafy greens, may add acidity to the soil. This can be a problem for some crops. If using these types of mulch, it is important to keep them at no more than 4″ deep and to keep them away from tree trunks and shrubs.
Straw bales make an excellent mulch, but they’re heavy and a little unwieldy to move around the garden. It’s best to find a friend to help you lift and transport them. Rubber mulch is another option, but it does not break down and can leave an unsightly, artificial look to the garden. It also can encourage stinkhorn fungi and slime molds, which can be problematic. The best choice is a biodegradable mulch, such as a wood chip or shredded bark, which breaks down and adds organic matter to the soil.
Retains Moisture
Mulch helps to retain moisture by reducing soil evaporation. This conserves water and reduces the need for frequent irrigation. It also encourages deeper root growth by keeping the soil at a more consistent level of moisture throughout the season.
There are many options available for home and commercial gardens when it comes to mulch materials. Mulches can be made from homegrown organic materials such as leaves, grass clippings, and composted garden waste or industrial byproducts such as wood chips or shredded bark. Alternatively, homeowners may want to consider using nut shells, coffee grounds, salvaged pallets that are ground up, or even seaweed for a more decorative or nutrient-rich option.
Whatever material is chosen to be used as a mulch, the goal is to provide an even layer over the surface of the soil. For best results, choose a natural organic product. It is important to keep in mind that the material will be absorbed into the soil, so it should not contain any toxic chemicals such as dyes or other industrial byproducts.
It is a good idea to choose a mulch with a wide variety of particle sizes. This will make it easier to install in smaller, closer-set areas such as flower beds. However, coarse pieces will last longer and may be more appropriate around larger plants such as trees or oversized shrubs.
It is important to not clump the mulch too tightly together or up against the base of a plant, as this can lead to rot and disease. Also, avoid “volcano mulching” by leaving a few inches of space between the mulch and the tree trunk as this can promote the spread of diseases and pests.