Did you know that adding mulch for flower beds does more than just enhance the look of your landscaping? Mulching helps retain moisture by limiting evaporation from heat and wind.
Not only will your plants require less water, but the mulch will also prevent unsightly weeds from growing. Organic mulches even provide additional nutrients to your plants as it breaks down.
But there are several types of mulch to choose from. Do you know which bags of mulch are best for your flower beds? don’t worry, the following guide will explain the advantages and disadvantages of several garden mulch varieties.
Wood Mulch
Wood mulch is very common and can be made from wood chips, shredded wood, or tree bark. Cedar mulch is especially good for retaining moisture and also keeps different pests from bothering your flowers.
Commercially sold hardwood mulch is aged and dried. It will add nutrients to your flowers as it breaks down and help keep them healthy. Wood mulch colors come in several choices such as brown, black, and red.
Softwood mulch types like pinewood don’t break down as quickly and have high acidity. This can be harmful to your flowers if placed too close. However, softwood mulch is long-lasting and lets rainwater easily penetrate the soil.
It’s easy to find this mulch variety sold by the bag in stores. Delivery and professional installation options are also available through companies like Heartlandturf.com.
Rubber Mulch
Rubber mulch doesn’t break down to provide nutrients or retain moisture like wood mulch. However, it lasts longer, prevents weed growth better, and doesn’t attract pests like some other mulch types.
This type of mulch is usually more expensive than wood mulch. It can also be difficult to remove from your lawn so be careful when disturbing rubber mulch into your landscaping.
Rock Mulch
Rock mulch is a good low-maintenance option if you want a semi-permanent mulch for your flower beds. They are good for alpine flowers like creeping thyme and storksbill that grow naturally in rocky areas.
Although rock mulch doesn’t need to be replaced as frequently as other mulch types, it doesn’t offer any benefits to your soil. It can also be harder to remove weeds from your beds if you use rock mulch.
Grass Mulch
Wondering what to do with those grass clippings after mowing? Using grass as mulch in flower beds is a cost-effective way to retain moisture and protect against heat.
Mixing in shredded leaves, straw, and newspaper will create a great nutrient balance if you want to upgrade your grass mulch. The main downside to grass mulch is that it’s not as aesthetically pleasing as other mulch types.
Mulch For Flower Beds Is Important
Adding any mulch type is better than no mulch at all. Consider your budget, style, and type of flowers when making a selection. Now you know that mulch for flower beds is a trusted method for keeping your flowers thriving!
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