Mulch is more than just an aesthetic ground cover for your landscape beds. It also provides numerous health benefits for your plants, such as soil temperature regulation, moisture retention, and weed suppression; these qualities protect their roots from harsh temperature fluctuations, keep them hydrated for longer, and block weeds from growing and causing problems. However, since it consists of organic materials, it decomposes over time. While it'll release nutrients as it does, it loses its other beneficial properties, so you'll want to replenish it annually to ensure it stays looking great and continues to keep your plants healthy. Here in Alabama, the best times to do this are in the spring and fall seasons.

How does mulch benefit the health of your plants?

While mulch enhances the appearance of your landscape beds, it does so much more, specifically benefiting the health of your plants. It does this by:

  • Regulating soil temperature: Mulch acts as a layer between the soil and the roots of your plants, protecting them from harsh temperature fluctuations. For example, it keeps it insulated during the cold winter and prevents it from becoming too hot during the summer.
  • Retaining moisture in the soil: Mulch aids in keeping it moist for longer by reducing evaporation from the sun. That way, your plants can stay hydrated without needing as many watering sessions, which is especially beneficial during dry conditions.
  • Suppressing weed growth: Mulch serves as a natural weed barrier, preventing seeds from reaching the soil and germinating. It also blocks existing ones from accessing the sunlight they need to grow, thus preventing them from progressing in their life cycle and causing problems for your plants.

Mulch reduces soil erosion by holding it in place, meaning less will runoff and take away beneficial nutrients from your plants.

Because Mulch Decomposes Over Time, You Should Replenish It Annually

Mulch is not a permanent ground cover since it consists of organic materials that decompose over time. While it'll release nutrients into the soil as it breaks down, it also loses its other beneficial properties. Because of this, you need to replenish it annually to ensure your plants can continue reaping all the intended benefits. Not only that, but it'll also keep your mulch ground cover fresh and looking great!

When should you replenish your mulch ground cover?

The best times to replenish your mulch ground cover are spring and fall. Refreshing it in the spring will keep the soil cool and retain much-needed moisture, which will help your plants prepare and survive the hot summer months. Additionally, many weeds germinate during this time, so it'll make a drastic difference in keeping your landscape beds free of these pesky plants during the growing season.

On the other hand, you'll want to replenish it again in the fall to prepare your plants for the winter season. It does this by insulating the soil, protecting the roots of your plants from cold temperatures, keeping them hydrated, and preventing winter weeds from taking over your landscape beds.

Call Us Today to Schedule Our Mulch Installation Service

If you want to give your plants the protection and benefits they deserve, look no further than our mulch installation service. At Five Star Lawn and Landscaping, we can install a mulch ground cover to bolster the curb appeal of your landscape beds and keep your plants healthy. Our team also follows a meticulous process to ensure we do it right and it's the proper thickness. With us, you can rest assured that your landscape will be in its best shape year-round.

Our mulch installation service is available to residential and commercial properties, along with HOAs, in Huntsville, Owens Cross Roads, Madison, AL, and other nearby areas, including Winchester, TN. Call us at (256) 975-0529 to schedule today!