Landscape Mulching

Mulching your property’s landscapes is often done for aesthetic reasons. And we agree, a well mulched property does add to the attractiveness of your landscaping. But, did you also know that mulching serves many other purposes?

Mulching Your Trees

Primarily, we are arborists so this one is near and dear to our hearts. Any tree that grows in the middle of your yard (or other grass area) has several obstacles to its health to overcome.

• Competition From Grass Roots:
  Water and other nutrients cannot access the tree roots directly. Instead, they must first pass through the grass’ roots in order to get to the tree roots. This leaves your trees getting the short end of the stick and they struggle to get the nutrients they need.
• Compacted Soil:
  Your soil can become compacted from lawn mowers and walking on the ground repeatedly. Tree roots have difficulty growing through this compacted soil because the lack of air and water pockets leaves them unable to get what they need. This often times leads to more visible surface roots.
• Lack Of Organic Matter:
  When leaves fall to the ground (and limbs) and rot, this provides natural fertilization for your trees. However, it is uncommon that we leave this type of fertilizer on our yards. Instead, leaves are removed before they can benefit the soil, robbing the trees of valuable nutrients.

For all of these reasons and more, mulching trees is one of the most beneficial things a property owner can do for their trees. Because grass is removed from around the tree prior to mulching, it eliminates the competition for precious resources. In addition, mulched areas are not driven on or walked on generally so soil has an opportunity to become less compact. And, mulching provides many other benefits such as improved soil structure, moisture retention, lowers soil temperature in the hot season, and helps increase oxygen and nutrient levels.

Mulching Your Gardens

When mulching your gardens, many of the same benefits as tree mulching are present. But there are also additional benefits specific to the plants in your garden. First, mulch inhibits weed growth which may not affect a tree too much but definitely can impact your plants. These weeds compete for resources such as water and they are unattractive. Additionally, in the winter, mulch can protect plant roots from the cold which helps prevent something called frost heaving where plants are literally pushed out of the ground by the contraction of the soil as it cools off.

Play Areas & Mulching

You can also help safeguard your children’s play area or playground with mulching services. Using either wood or rubber mulching chips, we can help you make an attractive and safe environment for your children.

Whatever your mulching needs are, let us help you make your property healthier, better looking, and safer!