It’s been our experience that mulch itself does not attract bugs, but may provide a home for those already living in your garden. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing, as the majority of insects in a landscape are actually healthy for the plant material.

A layer of mulch is important for retaining moisture and those little critters will aid in the decomposition of materials that add nutrients to the soil. Something to avoid, however, is an overabundance of mulch (4 inches+). As this can retain too much moisture and potentially harm to your plants via fungus and mold.

Worms, Centipedes and earwigs are examples of insects that take up residence under mulch. These little guys help the soil by adding nutrients as they eat.  What about Termites? If termites are present under mulch, it’s usually because they were already there, as they not normally attracted the mulch itself.

•  Remains porous at all times (never mats) allowing nearly 100% of all rain water direct to the soil.
• Soil temperatures remain only 2 to 3 degrees above wood mulch covered soil temperature as rubber is an insulator. 
• Weighs 675-700 lbs. per cubic yard.  Resists sinking into the soil and does not generally require a geo textile fabric.  Can be placed under stone driveways or parking areas to support the stone.
• Acts as a weed deterrent as its non porous nature does not hold water at the surface dehydrating blown weed seed.  Will not stop rhizomial or bulb growth.
• Depending on the manufacturer is colorfast for 5 to 15 years.
• Costs 3 to 5 times cost of wood mulch and slightly more or less than decorative stone.

Playground Rubber mulch:

•  Requires less material than wood mulch to achieve the same fall height rating.
• Typically high traffic playgrounds will lose 25% of the material every 5 years.
•  Never compacts but does require periodic maintenance to insure even coverage in fall zones.
•  Larger particle sizes meet or exceed ADA Wheelchair standards.
•  Works best with a border to control migration of the material.

Mulch Type Comparison Chart

• Mulching depths less than 2 inches may not be effective in weed control; however, mulch applied 3 to 6 inches or more can lead to serious problems for landscape plants. A mulch that is too thick may severely reduce or eliminate drying and lead to water-logged soil, particularly during wet seasons.

• Excess mulch applied right against the trunk of trees in the landscape leads to constantly wet bark and conditions favorable for disease development which can potentially damage the tree.

• When reapplying mulch over an existing layer of mulch, bring the total depth up to 2 to 2.5 inches.

• Do not apply 2 inches of mulch with each application or soon a depth greater than 3 inches will accumulate. Some mulches break down at a much slower rate. Keep this in mind for future applications of mulch.

A lot has been said, studied and assumed about mulch and its value to a landscape.  But what are the actual nuts and bolts of ground cover?

Not questioned, is the aesthetic benefit mulch provides.  Available in every conceivable size, shape, color and material, mulches compliment foliage and accent the overall landscape picture.  But does it actually do anything aside from dress up curb appeal?

Mulch Types

A lot has been said, studied and assumed about mulch and its value to a landscape.  But what are the actual nuts and bolts of ground cover?

Not questioned, is the aesthetic benefit mulch provides.  Available in every conceivable size, shape, color and material, mulches compliment foliage and accent the overall landscape picture.  But does it actually do anything aside from dress up curb appeal?

Mulching trees and shrubs is a good method to reduce landscape maintenance and keep plants healthy. Mulch helps conserve moisture — 10 to 25 percent reduction in soil moisture loss from evaporation. Mulches help keep the soil well aerated by reducing soil compaction that results when raindrops hit the soil. They also reduce water runoff and soil erosion. Mulches prevent soil and possible fungi from splashing on the foliage —- thus reducing the likelihood of soil-borne diseases. They help maintain a more uniform soil temperature (warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer) and promote the growth of soil microorganisms and earth worms.

        Mulches eliminate mowing around trees and shrubs and provide a physical barrier that prevents damage from lawn mowers and weed trimmers. A 2- to 4-inch layer (after settling) is adequate to prevent most weed seeds from germinating. Mulch should be applied to a weed-free soil surface.

In conclusion, mulch is a very cost effective way to care for you landscape.  By regulating soil temperature, moisture amounts and microorganism growth, a fresh ground cover benefits plants and will keep you smiling at your garden all year.

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