Mulching offers multiple benefits to lawns and gardens. Neutral-colored mulch sets
    off colorful ornamental plants from the surrounding lawn or pavement, providing
    visual appeal. But it does much more than beautify. Mulch helps maintain strong,
    healthy plants.

    Mulching helps ornamental plants:

  • Conserve moisture
  • Maintain a more uniform temperature in the root zone
  • Become established more quickly

    Other benefits of mulching include:

  • Protecting plants from mechanical injury caused by lawn mowers and string
    trimmers
  • Improving soil structure
  • Limiting weed growth

    How Thick?
    A good rule of thumb is to apply a layer of mulch that's one to three inches deep.
    Any thicker, and roots will begin growing in the mulch instead of the soil, making
    them susceptible to drought and low temperatures. Mulch can accumulate over
    time, so check the existing depth before adding more.

    Other Tips
    • Make sure your mulch is not too close to the base or trunk of the plant, as it could
    cause decay and winter injury.

    • Plastic is not recommended as mulch material, as it does not decompose and can
    trap excess moisture.

    • Avoid using plastic under mulch because the soil underneath the plastic will dry
    out, inhibiting the growth of deep roots.
Mulching
Tips