Benefits of Adding Mulch to Your Front Yard
Have you ever considered adding mulch to your front lawn? Mulch suppresses weeds and makes weeds that sprout easier to pull. It slows water evaporation from soil, so you don’t have to water as often and it insulates soil against temperature extremes.
Mulch is to the soil above ground what compost is to plants below ground. Most people view mulch as an aesthetic element to their front or back yards however beauty is just an added bonus to the many benefits of mulch.
What is Mulch?
Mulch is a layer of natural and biodegradable material such as wood chips, pine bark, and leaves that is used as a covering over exposed soil. Natural materials that are not biodegradable yet are still natural include stone and shells.
The Benefits of Mulch
There are many benefits to mulch being a natural and biodegradable material. First, let’s take a look at the list of all the benefits of mulch:
Retains Moisture – Mulch is an insulating material that acts as a barrier against evaporation from heat and wind. Mulch holds moisture in soil allowing you to cut down on how often you water your yard. This can make a positive difference in plants and trees rooted in this area.
Moderates Soil Temperature – Mulch acts as a buffer against temperature shift for plant roots burrowed underneath the soil. Mulch protects the roots from freezing when temperatures drop in the winter and also provides protection from too much sun exposure during the summer months.
Aesthetically Pleasing – This one might be a little obvious but it’s one of the main reasons homeowners and gardeners use mulch. Mulch can really add definition to your lawn and add contrast to your lawn adding definition to your plants, trees, and grass.
Protects From Runoff and Erosion – Florida summers come with a lot of rain. With rain comes soil impaction and chemicals and particles being carried to the top soil. This can lead to long term problems with erosion. This can be prevented by adding a top layer of mulch.
For all these reasons, and many more, mulch is one of the single best things you can do to manage your soil and plants in your front yard. If you are located in the heart of Central Florida, JSJ Unlimited is open and ready to help you get what you need to add some more curb appeal to your home or business. Contact us today at (352) 557-4828.