For most homeowner, landscaping mulch is used to beautify their yard, but it does a lot more. Here are a few benefits that come from proper mulch application.
It helps maintain the moisture in the root zone by reducing evaporation. This would result in healthier plants/trees and lower water bills.
Helps control the weeds, creating a beautiful yard with a lot less effort.
Mulching can also improve soil fertility and soil structure over time and can act as an insulator, keeping the soil warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Mulching can also help increase efficiency in mowing/maintenance by creating a better flow around trees and flower gardens instead of around corners. It can also be used to make a beautiful transition between a grassed area and the forest.
Basics of proper mulching
Ensure that the drainage around the area to be mulched is proper and that you will not create a drainage issue once the mulch is in place.
For flower gardens, apply mulch in a 2-4 inch layer to create a lovely uniform blanket over the bed to maximize the benefit of the mulch.
For trees, it is preferable to have the mulch area as wide as the tree drip. Place mulch in a 2-4 inch layer and keep it away from the tree trunk or stems, so the trunk is fully exposed.
For borders (no plants or trees), you can use filter fabric under the mulch or place a thicker layer (6 inches) of mulch. This would reduce the maintenance and keep your yard beautiful for a longer period.