So Mulch To Do

blue landscapeAn important part of sustainable Florida landscaping is using the right materials. Mulch is more than just creating an aesthetically pleasing, uniform look; it serves a much greater purpose. Mulch helps keep moisture in the soil, controls weeds, and reduces storm water run off. It can also serve as a replacement in areas that are hard to mow.

A few benefits of mulch, as highlighted by Florida-Friendly Landscaping are as follows:

  • Buffers soil temperature. It keeps soils and plant roots warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
  • Helps maintain soil moisture. Mulch slows evaporation and reduces the water needs of plants.
  • Inhibits weed germination and growth.
  • Adds beauty. Mulch gives planting beds a neat and uniform appearance, and its color and texture can complement plantings.
  • Helps reduce soil erosion.
  • Can improve soil. As they decompose, organic materials like wood chips, pine needles, leaves, and grass clippings make soil more fertile and improve soil aeration, structure, and drainage.
  • Can protect plants. Mulch can help prevent certain plant diseases, and when placed around shrubs and trees (at least 12 inches from the trunk), it reduces the likelihood of damage from trimmers and mowers.

So how do you choose the right mulch? There are various criteria to choose from including; color, texture, cost, durability, and nutrients. Consider where you’re placing the mulch and the plants that surround it. The most popular mulches are:

  • Pine bark
  • Pine straw (Pine needles)
  • Fallen leaves
  • Grass clippings
  • Melaleuca
  • Utility

No matter what mulch you choose, follow a few tips for effective, sustainable use. Maintain 2-3 inches of mulch around trees, shrubs, and other plants. Adding too much mulch can affect irrigation and the amount of rain your plants receive. Remember to extend the mulch around trees to include its root system. The Florida-Friendly Landscape guide recommends mulching 8 feet in diameter. Every now and then, rake the mulch for an even spread. Dirt and rain water can clump together and may prevent water from seeping through.

Blue Landscape is dedicated to environmentally landscaping in all of our projects. Contact us today and give your business an environmental boost!