Mulch is more than just a pretty addition to your landscape. It serves several important functions that are beneficial to your plants and soil.

One key benefit is its ability to reduce the growth of weeds in your garden beds. By blocking sunlight from reaching weed seeds, mulch helps to prevent germination and growth. This not only saves you time and effort in weeding, but also reduces competition for nutrients and water between your plants and the weeds.

Another benefit is mulch's ability to retain moisture in the soil. By covering the soil with a layer of organic material, mulch helps to reduce water loss through evaporation, during both hot and dry weather. This helps to keep your plants hydrated and healthy, and reduces the need for watering as frequently.

Mulch also helps to protect plant roots from extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold. In the heat, mulch keeps the soil cooler and reduces the risk of stress for your plants. In the cold, mulch acts as an insulator, protecting the roots from freezing temperatures.

Additionally, mulch also helps to improve the quality of the soil. As it decomposes, mulch adds organic matter to the soil, which enriches its nutrients and improves its texture. This helps promote healthier plant growth and increased fertility of your soil over time.

It's important to maintain a proper depth of mulch in your garden beds to maximize benefits - ideally around 2-3 inches. It's also important to refresh your mulch every 1-2 years to maintain its effectiveness due to decomposition over time.

While there is a maintenance cost associated with mulch, The benefits of much for your plants and soil make it a worthwhile investment, despite the maintenance costs. And remember, a fresh layer of mulch will give your landscape beds a brand new look and feel, making your yard look fresh and well-maintained.

It’s amazing how a new topdressing of mulch can do so much for both function and appearance!