There are multiple benefits a layer of mulch provides to plants and trees. Aside from offering an aesthetically pleasing look to your landscape, mulch contributes the following benefits that lead to healthy and flourishing flowers, plants, trees and shrubs:
- Improves nutrients water retention in the soil;
- Helps protect the root zone from winter injury;
- Helps sustain an even soil temperature;
- Helps prevent soil crusting by increasing infiltration and aeration;
- Helps prevent soil erosion;
- Helps control weeds and reduce/eliminate cultivation;
- Provides protection to low-growing landscape plants during heavy rains;
- Provides a mud free walkway; and
- Boosts beneficial soil microbial activity and earthworm numbers.
Now that the harsh St. Louis winter is finally over, chances are your existing mulch has broken down significantly. It is typical for mulch to break down over the course of the year due to decomposition and the colder winter, which is why it is important to re-apply annually. It is recommended to re-apply if the current thickness is less than 1 inch. Spring is the perfect time to re-apply mulch because it is typically the time when we start weeding, planting new plants and cleaning up our landscape areas in preparation for enjoying our yards.
When re-applying mulch, it is important to remember it will be most effective to do so after clearing out weeds, leaves and grass from beds and plant bases. St. Louis Composting suggests applying 2 – 3 inches of fresh mulch over landscape beds and around tree bases. St. Louis Composting offers 16 different types of mulch to meet all of your landscaping needs. The choices range from mulches high in organic matter such as Leaf Mulch and Forest Fines to the more traditional mulches, such as Oak Bark Mulch.
For more information contact St. Louis Composting at 636.861.3344 or visit online at www.stlcompost.com.