Are you a gardener or someone who enjoys having a beautiful landscape? Maybe you take great pride in the way your yard looks. If so, then you likely use or want to learn more about mulch. There are different types of mulches that you can use, such as bark mulch, which comes from chipped or shredded tree bark. Since it comes directly from trees, this type of mulch is purely organic and can have many benefits for your soil and other vegetation. While it's known for adding nutrients and suppressing weeds, that's not the only reason it's such a popular choice for homeowners. Take a look.

1. It Provides Insulation

Did you know that bark mulch can offer insulation? Because mulched soil is typically warmer in the winter months and cooler in the summer months than bare soil is, it can provide insulation to protect roots from extreme weather temperatures. Bark mulch will keep roots cool in summer and warm in winter. This means it will reduce the amount of stress on your plants.

In the winter, it's important that your soil doesn't lose heat. Adding a layer of mulch will keep your soil at the right temperature. In the hotter months, mulch will block direct sunlight from getting to your soil, reducing heat absorption. You can think of bark mulch as an added layer of protection to your soil. It's also great for protecting slippery surfaces in the winter.

2. It Saves Water

Believe it or not, mulch not only provides insulation, but it can also save you water. How is this possible? Mulch can retain the water in your soil better than unmulched soil. This is great if you have shrubs and trees on your property. It's normal for your trees and shrubs to lose water during the warmer months. By adding bark mulch to the soil around your trees and shrubs, you can ensure that they aren't getting super harsh sunlight. This saves you from having to constantly water your soil beds!

3. It Prevents Soil Erosion

As a homeowner, taking care of your soil is key to having a great-looking landscape. Unfortunately, soil erosion can happen, and it can really have an effect on your yard. What exactly is soil erosion? Simply put, soil erosion is a gradual process that takes place when impact from water or wind detaches and removes soil particles. This can then cause your soil to deteriorate. However, when mulching is done around trees and shrubs, it can help prevent this from happening by creating a sponge-like surface. This surface will then be able to absorb water and slow down the process. Another added benefit to this is that it can reduce soil compaction, creating a good environment for microorganisms. This can improve the overall health of your landscape.

4. It Slows Down Weed Growth

During specific temperatures, weed growth is bound to happen. Your lawn moisture level can even have something to do with the number of weeds growing on your property. Weeds are something that most homeowners deal with, and they can really bring down the aesthetic of your landscape. Sprinkling a layer of bark mulch can help prevent some weeds from reaching your soil. While mulch may not stop all weeds from growing completely, it's great for homeowners looking to slow down weed growth and prevent weeds that haven’t sprouted yet from growing. When you get rid of those pesky weeds, your yard will look healthy and well-kept.

5. It Adds Organic Matter

Did you know that adding mulch can actually help with pests and plant diseases? When you add mulch to your soil, it is essentially adding organic matter to your soil. When the soil starts to decompose, it makes your landscape less susceptible to things like pests. Mulch will provide your yard with slow-release nutrients and prevent vitamin loss in plants. This can end up saving you money on fertilizer.

6. It Comes in a Wide Variety

When you go to buy bark mulch, you will have a variety of types to choose from. These mulches have different sizes, shapes, textures, durability, and nutrient content. The type of bark mulch that you get varies based on the actual tree that it came from. If you want a dark and coarse mulch that lasts longer, it might be a good idea to go with a dark hemlock. The variety of textures to choose from gives you the ability to create a unique space on your property that stands out.

7. It Can Be Colorful

Did you know that your bark can come in different colors? If you need mulch that matches a certain theme or goes with the appearance of your house, then you can invest in bark mulch that is already dyed or colored to your specifications. Some of the more popular colors are dark brown or red mulches. Colored mulch is truly a great addition to any yard. The color of your mulch can actually affect the surface temperature of the mulch and the soil underneath. If you need mulch for a shaded area of your yard, it's safe to use a darker color. For more exposed areas, it might be best to go with a lighter mulch.

8. It Can Be Mixed

While you may enjoy bark mulch for many reasons, you may want to mix it with other materials. Doing so can enhance the benefits that your garden and landscape can enjoy. When you combine it with other organic or inorganic materials, you may have better insulation or weed control. Are you having drainage problems on your property? Combine these bark chips with stones or gravel to help prevent erosion. If your garden is missing something, mulch may be just the thing. You can even use bark mulch to create a pathway that leads to your garden.

9. It’s Recyclable

Are you strict about using recyclable items on your property? Bark mulch allows you to stick to that lifestyle as you can easily reuse or recycle it. You don't have to sit there and wait for it to completely disintegrate into the ground. Once it breaks down enough to where it's no longer very effective, you can reuse it for other purposes in your garden. For example, do you use compost for fertilizer? If so, you can throw your leftover bark into your compost bin to further break down with other organic elements. Use it as filler and raised flower beds.

As you find ways to tend to your garden and mind your landscape, you want to make sure that you use the best materials possible. There are many benefits to using bark mulch, like added insulation. Plus, you can always recycle it and mix it with other materials. Whether you're looking to add mulch to one area or spread it throughout your entire landscape, it can revamp your space and add tons of curb appeal. According to the Mulch and Soil Council, for most outdoor application purposes (especially weed control and moisture conservation) mulch products should be applied at a depth of two to four inches. A professional team can make sure this is possible. When you're searching for the perfect mulch for your property, turn to the team at Red Bark Inc. We offer top-of-the-line bark products for your landscaping project. Our experts will help you find the mulch that suits your yard best and install it to your satisfaction. Contact us today to request a quote. We look forward to helping you transform your property!