The Purpose of Mulch

This time of year, our company gets a lot of calls for not only weeding and dead heading, but also for mulching.

Granted, it is a lovely time to spread mulch when perennials are dormant, but the real purpose of mulch, is to help retain water in the hotter temperatures.

Misconceptions are that mulch helps keep down weeds. Most weeds fall from above, unless the area is a new bed that still has old weeds or grass that was not killed before installation. You also should mulch only once a year if mulch is still visible with little dirt showing.

Types of Mulches

Mulch can be 1 layer of leaves, the best organic mulch you can use.

Example of one layer of leaves

Pine tag mulch – which is great because it allows air circulation and can be easily replenished without noticing.

Pine Tag Mulch

Pine mulch which is the most beautiful, tends to disintegrate in about 6 months.

Pine Mulch

Double shredded hardwood (dark brown not black or red) mulch stays put but can smother plants if applied too thickly.

Hardwood Mulch

So, don’t be distressed if you don’t get mulched before the summer, since the true purpose of mulching is to hold water in the ground for water retention in the hot weather.

Christie lives in Manakin Sabot , Virginia where she manages a 3 acre garden. Her blogs are written from her 35 years as a personal and professional gardener.