Expert Arborists in Lincoln, NE

Weeds are not only unsightly, they hog nutrients, water, and sunlight from the plants that you actually intend to grow. Adding mulch to your landscape keeps weeds from receiving the sunlight they need to survive. Mulch creates a physical barrier that most weeds do not have enough energy to sprout through.

During the winter, a layer of mulch protects plant roots from frost-heaving, in which plants are literally pushed out of the ground by the natural expansion and contraction of the soil as it cools off and heats up. During the summer, mulch keeps plant roots from becoming overheated and damaged.

Mulch not only keeps soil hydrated, it protects it in times of excess precipitation. A barrier of mulch lessens the brunt of heavy rainfall and keeps soil from washing away.

Certain types of mulch contain various elements that can actually deter pests from your landscape. As organic mulches break down, they improve the chemistry of the soil which encourages the numbers of helpful bacteria, fungi, and insects. These helpful organisms help to fight off other harmful, destructive organisms. Additionally, some types of mulch, like cedar and cypress, contain natural oils and chemicals that deter bugs.

As you can see, mulch can dramatically improve the quality of the soil beneath it. Earthworms are attracted to good, healthy soil, and every gardener knows that earthworms do wonders for a landscape through nutrient cycling.