Mulch is a type of organic material that is used as ground covering in landscape beds. It serves as a simple addition that enhances the overall beauty of your landscape beds. However, mulch is not only a smart aesthetic choice but also offers several benefits to your soil, which in turn helps your plants grow healthily. But, as time passes by, the mulch in your landscape beds will begin to decompose and break down, resulting in the loss of its effectiveness in providing these benefits. Therefore, it is recommended to refresh the mulch in your landscape beds once a year. This way, your property in Ohio will continue to look great and thrive under the umbrella of benefits that mulch provides.

Mulch needs to be refreshed because it decomposes over time.

Mulch is a ground covering made of natural materials that is used to cover the soil in landscape beds. As it is an organic material, decomposition is an inevitable natural occurrence. The microbes present in the soil gradually break down the mulch into smaller pieces, which then mix with the soil, adding nutrients to the soil and improving its quality. The rate of decomposition depends on several factors, such as the type of mulch, the climate, and the soil conditions. So, you'll need to refresh the mulch in your landscape beds occasionally to replace what has decomposed.

Refreshing your mulch is important so that it can continue to provide its intended benefits.

In addition to enhancing the aesthetic of your landscape beds, mulch also provides numerous benefits for your plants. However, if the mulch layer becomes too thin, it won't provide the benefits it's intended to. That's why it's so crucial to refresh the mulch in your landscape beds. When your mulch layer is thick, it can help suppress weeds and keep your landscape beds looking manicured. It can also help regulate soil temperature. During winter, mulch acts as an insulator, keeping the soil warm and protecting it from freezing temperatures. In the summer, it helps keep the soil cool and prevents it from drying out.

Another important benefit of mulch is its ability to control soil erosion. The mulch layer acts as a barrier that reduces the impact of wind and water on the soil. This is especially beneficial for sloping beds where soil erosion can be a significant problem. In addition to regulating temperature and controlling erosion, mulch also helps with moisture retention. By keeping the soil moist, mulch reduces the amount of water lost due to evaporation. This is particularly important during dry spells when water conservation is crucial.

Keep about 1 inch around the base of your plants free of mulch to avoid smothering them.

You should refresh the mulch in your landscape beds once a year.

Mulch will have to be replaced over time since it will eventually break down. Most lawn care services offer a once-a-year mulch replacement service, so replacing the mulch in your landscape beds once a year is generally recommended. However, there is another way to tell when it's time to refresh your mulch. If your mulch is thinning and losing its color, it is a clear sign that you should replace it. This ensures that the mulch continues to provide its benefits and keeps your landscaping looking fresh and attractive.

Call to schedule our mulch installation service!

At Hoffmans Lawn & Fertilization, we provide professional lawn maintenance services for your landscaping needs, including mulch installation and refreshing. Our mulch installation service is available to commercial and residential properties, as well as to HOAs, in the Delaware, OH, area. If you have a property outside of this area, you're in luck, as we also serve other nearby areas such as Lewis Center and Powell. If you prefer the look of rock instead, we also provide a rock installation service. Call us at (740) 318-5296 to schedule our rock or mulch installation service today!