Mulch = Many Uses

Mulch is any kind of material that is spread out over soil as a protective covering. There are organic and inorganic mulches. Inorganic mulch, such as pea gravel, landscape rock or coral, is used as a weed barrier and for aesthetic purposes. Organic mulch, such as wood chips, bark, shredded deciduous leaves or composted plant material, is used to suppress weeds, retain moisture, stabilize soil temperature and amend the underlying soil to improve fertility as the mulch decomposes.

 

Organic mulches such as hardwood bark, pine bark or shredded cedar mulch are the best options in the Gulf Coast region to create a weed barrier surrounding the home, provide an attractive bedding area for specimen plants and conserve soil moisture. Bark mulches are heavy and durable, providing good moisture retention while at the same time allowing air permeability. Hardwood barks provide the added benefit of having anti-insect and anti-fungal qualities, and add nitrogen to the soil as they it break down. Grass clippings may also be used, and provide excellent soil amendment properties as they decompose.

 

Native mulches composed of chipped or crushed brush and weeds is not recommended for use as a mulch material unless heavily blended with another material like hardwood bark or shredded cedar. Native mulches may contain a high concentration of weed plant seeds and are sometimes prone to fungal growth that is harmful to landscape ornamental plants.

 

A mulch layer will also insulate and lower soil temperature in planting beds during the hot summer months. Mulch should be applied to planting beds and border areas several times a year to a depth between 2 and 4 inches. Apply mulch in the spring to retard weed growth, at midsummer to insulate soil from high heat and help retain moisture, and in early winter to protect root systems from freezing.