A fresh layer of dark, rich mulch that reaches throughout a property's plant beds is a sure sign of spring. The visual impact of mulch gives a sense of uniform order and provides a dramatic backdrop that allows colorful spring flowers to really “pop”. While the visual benefits of mulch are plenty, there are also economic benefits that make mulching a wise investment.
By covering bare soil, mulch makes it difficult for unwanted weeds to germinate in your plant beds. A reduced number of weeds means less time allocated to weeding or treating for weeds. When time is money, time saved is money earned.
Mulch acts as insulation for your plant beds. It is a buffer that separates soil from the harsh heat of summer sunshine. Plants' above-ground growth cannot escape the heat, but their roots can. With mulch in place as a heat barrier, roots remain comfortable even in hostile conditions. This helps the plants' overall health and longevity.
Along these same lines, mulch absorbs water from irrigation and distributes it to surrounding plants at a workable pace. Bare soil that is baked by the sun can be rock-hard, causing water to quickly run off without being absorbed. Water is wasted, and plants fail to receive needed irrigation. Mulch soaks up water immediately and holds it so that it is not lost to evaporation or runoff. As soil has prolonged contact with wet mulch, it softens to the point that it can absorb the water and transfer it to plant roots.
By reducing weeds, cooling soil, and aiding irrigation efforts, mulch makes landscapes healthier and maintenance efforts more efficient. Mulch's aesthetic benefits are obvious, but its economic upside comes in the form of saved time, money and energy.