Mastering Mulching: Using Mulch To Enhance The Beauty Of Your Outdoor Space
Mulching your flowerbeds and other outdoor areas has several benefits. Not only does the right mulch provide plenty of aesthetic value, but it also can cut down on weeds, retain moisture in your soil, and reduce erosion. Learning to use mulch effectively will help you make the most of your mulch and enjoy all the benefits.
Color matters
Mulch comes in a variety of colors. For the best aesthetic value, choose mulch in a color that complements your home's exterior. For instance, for a red brick exterior, choose pine mulch in a reddish-brown shade. For stone, stucco, or white exteriors, a medium to light brown hardwood mulch will work well.
Look for unique blends
There are other options beyond pine and hardwood mulch to add a unique touch to your outdoor space. Want a great aroma in your outdoor space? Try mulch manufactured with cocoa shells or nut shells for something different.
Use the right amount
The key to successful mulching is not using too much or too little mulch. Using too little is unlikely to keep weed growth down, but using too much can overpower the plants and flowers, distracting from their natural beauty. For best results, keep your mulch depth to a few inches.
Do not neglect your trees
Using mulch around plants, flowers, and trees will give your lawn a cohesive look. Mulch is helpful for younger trees to keep moisture in the soil around the tree. Mulch also provides a barrier around the base of the tender tree to help avoid nicks from mowing and trimming equipment.
Beware of mulch gone bad
When looking at different types of mulch, you will want to check over the bag and make sure that there are no tears. Mulch that is not stored properly may have gained a few extra components and may contain weed seeds and other harmful things that can introduce pesky plants into your outdoor space. Check over the mulch to make sure it is sealed and ready to go.
Properly prepare for mulching
A common mulching mistake is to neglect preparing areas for mulching. Clean out some of the existing mulch before putting down new. This is especially important to prevent mulch overload if you mulch once or twice each year.
Learning the right way to mulch your outdoor areas will make a huge difference in the appearance of your yard. Mulch can also help you cut down on weeding tasks and lawn maintenance, which will save you time. Mastering the art of mulching is the key to enjoying all the benefits mulch provides.