Our team at Todco has extensive experience in working with land developers and landscapers, and we know a thing or two about how to make a landscape look great. If you want to keep your plants and gardens beautiful and healthy, you will need to use landscaping mulch.
In this article, our team will go over some key information you should know about landscaping mulch, starting with what it is and what it is used for.
- Purpose of Landscaping Mulch – The term mulch refers to a protective covering of organic material placed over and around the roots of plants. Some of the most common materials used for this purpose are wood chips, pine straw, and leaves, but other natural materials can be used too. Landscaping mulch helps keep the plants healthy by preventing the soil from drying out, insulating the roots, and discouraging weed growth.
- Fresh Mulch – As we mentioned above, many types of organic material can be used as landscaping mulch, but these materials fall into two broad categories: fresh mulch and aged mulch. Leaves, pine straw, and wood chips are fresh mulch, as the material has not yet begun to decompose. Fresh mulch is used primarily for weed control and moisture retention.
- Aged Mulch – Aged landscaping mulch, on the other hand, is made of materials which are partially decomposed, and they are used to add nutrients to the soil in addition to providing the other benefits we described. As the matter continues to decompose, it will enrich the soil and give the plants nutrients to feed on.