Why is it important to use mulch

What is Mulch?

Mulches are organic or inorganic materials that cover the soil around the root zones of plants and trees. For as long as trees have grown in forests, leaves and needles have fallen to the ground, matted together, and formed a natural protective layer over the soil. The English word mulch is probably derived from the German word molsch, meaning soft, beginning to decay. It no doubt referred to early gardeners’ use of straw, leaves, and loose earth spread on the ground to protect the roots of newly planted trees and shrubs.

Organic or Inorganic?

Organic mulches such as bark or wood chips will break down over time and will need to be replenished. It is important to keep the mulch a couple of inches away from trunks and stems as moisture can cause rotting. They can also blow or float away with our strong winds and heavy rains. Organic mulches add small amounts of nutrients and cool the soil.

Inorganic mulches – gravel, decorative rocks, sand, boulders, and decomposed granite have a long lifetime and may need to be top-dressed or raked every once in awhile. Inorganic mulches add no nutrients and warm up the soil.

Why is it important to use mulch?

Mulching prevents moisture loss, therefore extending periods of watering by days, sometimes even by weeks! In Florida weather that can be a key ingredient to keeping your plants alive!
By shading the soil, mulches inhibit weed growth. What weeds do get through can be easy to pull, and weeding will decrease as time goes by.
Keeps soil from splashing onto plant leaves, reducing certain diseases.
Matching the right mulch to the type of plant or crop can enhance plant growth.
Gravel or rock mulches can prevent rainwater runoff.
Best of all, mulches reduce work and adds a finishing touch to the landscape.