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| Mulch Mulch installation for Hockessin, Kennett Square, Wilmington, Unionville, Newark, Landenberg, Delaware & Pennsylvania Mulch is used for various purposes: to adjust temperature by helping soil retain more heat in spring and fall, and by keeping soil cool and even out temperature swings during hot and variable summer conditions to control weeds by blocking the sunlight to retain water by slowing evaporation to add organic matter and nutrients to the soil through the gradual breakdown of the mulch material to repel insects to incrementally improve growing conditions by reflecting sunlight upwards to the plants. Mulch Maintenance – after a month or so, check your mulch for compaction. Mulch retains moisture, retards weeds, provides nutrients, controls erosion and insulates the soil protecting plants from extreme temperature variations. Mulch is usually applied towards the beginning of the growing season, and may be reapplied as necessary. Mulch made with wood can contain or feed termites, so care must be taken about not placing mulch too close to houses or building that can be damaged by those insects. Mulch should normally smell like freshly cut wood, but sometimes will develop a toxicity that will cause it to smell like vinegar, ammonia, sulfur or silage. Mulch is simply a protective layer of a material that is spread on top of the soil. Mulching is one of the most important ways to maintain healthy landscape plants. Mulches prevent crusting of the soil surface, thus improving the absorption and movement of water into the soil. Mulched plants have more roots than plants that are not mulched, because mulched plants will produce additional roots in the mulch that surrounds them. Mulch Mulches, especially hardwood mulch, compacts after a few rains. Mulches can either be organic -- such as grass clippings, straw, bark chips, and similar materials -- or inorganic -- such as stones, brick chips, and plastic. Mulches prevent the trunks of trees and shrubs from damage by lawn equipment. Mulching is a very important practice for establishing new plantings, because it helps to conserve moisture in the root ball of the new plant until the roots have grown out into the surrounding soil. Mulch entire beds of shrubs, trees, annuals, herbaceous perennials and ground covers. Mulches prevent soil and possible fungi from splashing on the foliage ---- thus reducing the likelihood of soil-borne diseases. Mulch should be applied to a weed-free soil surface. Mulch that is too deep will stimulate root growth in the mulch layer rather than in the ground. Mulches vary in their appearance, makeup, and texture, which will influence how you use them. Soil The main purpose of mulch is to hold moisture, retard weeds, maintain even soil temperatures and provide a decorative appearance. Plants Because of its density hardwood bark mulch insulates and protects your plants from extreme temperatures better than most mulches. Smaller chips tend to beeasier to spread, especially around small plants. Bark Bark is sold as chunks, nuggets, or shredded. Bark and wood chips are popular mulches around ornamentals and shrubs. Mulching Mulching garden or landscape plants with bark, straw, leaf, or saw dust mulch can be beneficial to plants in a number of ways. Mulching around trees helps facilitate maintenance and can reduce the likelihood of damage from “weed whackers” or the dreaded “lawn mower blight. |