Question:  “Hi Dawn, aside from appearance, what are some other benefits of using bark and mulch in my landscaping?

–Tom Chambers, El Dorado Hills

Dawn’s Answer:  “Hi Tom, and thanks for asking a great question!

Using bark or mulch is a good gardening habit but not mandatory; the benefits, however, make it worth the effort. A really good job of mulching your garden usually offers these benefits:

  • Inhibits weed germination and growth. (Weeds are not only unsightly, but they also steal resources from desirable garden plants!)
  • Holds in soil moisture, protecting your plants from drying out quickly.
  • Helps control soil-temperature fluctuations. (This benefit is especially valuable during that turbulent-weather period in spring and summer when you don’t want your plants to be stressed.)
  • In hot-summer areas, such as ours, it  helps keep plant roots cooler.
  • Depending on what you use, adds a bit of welcome nutrition to your garden as it breaks down.

For more information about using bark and mulch, please come see us or call 941.0401.”

 

To your landscaping success!

Dawn

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