This low-maintenance landscaping option can be great, but there are some potential problems to consider, too.
Debove Sophie/Getty Images
Theres a lot to consider beforeadding mulch to a garden.
It can encourage water retention, but it could also attractunwanted pests.
Photo:Debove Sophie/Getty Images
Types of Mulch
Mulch can broadly be categorized into two types: organic and inorganic.
Organic mulch options include wood chips, bark, straw, compost, and even grass clippings.
Each bang out offers unique benefits, says Joe Gerrior, owner ofGerrior Masonry & Landscape Constructionin Massachusetts.
Different mulches work best in certain climates.
Davis says allowing soil to be moist for longer periods of time leads to less frequent watering.
This moisture retention helps plants survive extended periods of drought.
Mulch can also be beneficial in instances where there are watering restrictions placed on neighborhoods.
Suppresses weeds
Not only does mulch keep water in, but it also keeps unwanted weeds out.
Mulch also regulates soil temperature, keeping it cooler in summer and warmer in winter, says Gerrior.
Mulch shades the soil, preventing it from getting too warm from the sun in the summer.
Alternatively, it acts as an insulating blanket during cooler periods, giving the roots a stable soil environment.
Over time, organic mulches decompose and enrich the underlying soil with nutrients.
This decomposition adds organic matter to the soil, which benefits the long-term health of your plants.
Gerrior notes that mulch enhances the aesthetic appeal of your garden.
It offers a neat, tidy, well-maintained look that dirt just doesn’t match.
Also, mulch can come in different colors to suit whichever look you’re going for.
Too thick of a layer can deprive roots of the necessary oxygen they need to thrive.
“It provides an excellent and moisthabitat for pestsand diseases, Davis warns.
Thankfully, not all mulches attract these pests.
Gerrior suggests cypress and cedar mulches that deter insects.
Thats why, even low-maintenance mulching may require occasional attention to ensure garden health.
Keep an eye out for hints that your plants are wilting or need more light and water than normal.
Composting mulch is kept ideally between 110 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Mulch can spontaneously ignite.
