{"id":19178,"date":"2021-09-20T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-09-20T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/?p=19178"},"modified":"2021-09-16T12:50:38","modified_gmt":"2021-09-16T16:50:38","slug":"how-to-use-mulch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/how-to-use-mulch","title":{"rendered":"How to Use Mulch to Maximize Curb Appeal"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Mulch is a material that is spread over the surface of your garden. There are many types, the most common being bark, leaves, or synthetic covering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Apart from its visual appeal, mulch has many functions, and different types are suitable for various parts of your garden.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What are the main types of mulch? How do they differ? And how to use mulch to make your garden thrive?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-mulch?\">What Is Mulch?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/how-to-use-mulch-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"how to use mulch\" class=\"wp-image-19183\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Mulch is a common term in the gardening industry and describes a thick layer of material spread over the soil in your garden and landscaping area. Mulching your garden can be a time-consuming and physically demanding process but will also provide many benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"benefits-of-mulching\">Benefits of Mulching<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Mulch can provide a boost for your garden&#8217;s health. It is effective at suppressing weeds, keeping the soil moist, and protecting from direct sun, rain, wind, even snow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-zolo-related flex items-center py-6 leading-tight border-t border-b border-blacklight undefined\"><p class=\"font-serif pr-6 md:pr-12 mr-6 md:flex-shrink-0 border-r border-blacklight\">Related content<\/p><p class=\"related-link w-full my-0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/tips-to-design-a-minimalist-garden\">8 Tips to Design a Minimalist Garden<\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Mulch helps soil retain up to 70% more water than regular soil, resulting in both time savings as you reduce the need to water your garden and water savings, which is environmentally friendly.<\/li><li>Organic mulch provides nutrients to your r plants, enhances the soil structure, and improves crop yields.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Mulch wards off pests and the plant diseases they carry by introducing a physical barrier between the soil and the plants in your garden. Mulch prevents weeds. By adding a layer of mulch, you prevent the sunlight from getting to the unwanted plants, smothering existing weeds and preventing new weeds from sprouting.<\/li><li>Mulch helps to fight climate change by limiting erosion and water runoff and reducing water requirements. A thick layer of mulch also lowers carbon dioxide emissions by helping sequester carbon in the soil.<\/li><li>Dark mulch can help keep soil warm in winter, while straw can keep plants prone to heat stress cooler in the summer.<\/li><li>Improve your home or garden\u2019s curb appeal by spreading black or red shredded bark. For a modern look, choose gravel.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Mulch protects against the wind, heavy rain, direct sun, and other weather elements.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You can make mulch yourself from recycled materials, including compost, shredded leaves, or grass clippings.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"types-of-mulch&nbsp;\">Types of Mulch&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When selecting the type of mulch for your garden, you need to consider the primary function you want it to fulfill. If you are looking for a material that will benefit your plants, organic mulch like straw or compost is the right choice. In contrast, inorganic materials like plastic or rubber could be a good fit if you want to create a protective layer from direct sun and strong winds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"organic-mulch\">Organic Mulch<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/how-to-use-organic-mulch-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"how to use organic mulch\" class=\"wp-image-19186\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Organic mulch is a good choice for most gardens. Since it is organic, it will break down over time and add nutrients to the soil through that process. The downside of organic mulch is that it needs to be replaced regularly due to decomposition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are the most common types of organic mulch:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Shredded or chipped bark<\/li><li>Shredded leaves<\/li><li>Grass clippings<\/li><li>Straw<\/li><li>Organic compost<\/li><li>Newspaper<\/li><li>Pine needles<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-shredded-or-chipped-bark\">1. Shredded or Chipped Bark<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Shredded bark is the most common type of mulch. It is used for garden beds, on slopes, around trees and shrubs, even on walkways. This byproduct of the lumber and paper industry is typically aged and dried and sometimes dyed red or other bright colours. Shredded bark is cost-effective, available at most home improvement stores, and creates an attractive visual appearance in your garden.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-zolo-related flex items-center py-6 leading-tight border-t border-b border-blacklight undefined\"><p class=\"font-serif pr-6 md:pr-12 mr-6 md:flex-shrink-0 border-r border-blacklight\">Related content<\/p><p class=\"related-link w-full my-0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/starting-container-garden\">Tips for Starting a Container Garden (with infographic)<\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>Shredded bark chips don&#8217;t decompose quickly or mix into the soil, making them longer lasting than other organic mulch materials. If you want your mulch to last as long as possible, select bigger wood chips since these take longer to decompose.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-shredded-leaves\">2. Shredded Leaves&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You don&#8217;t necessarily have to shop for mulch. It can be made of organic material in your garden. Shredded leaves don&#8217;t have as much curb appeal as shredded bark but can significantly benefit your soil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shredded leaves decompose quickly, blending into your garden and requiring several applications throughout the growing season. If you apply a layer over your vegetable garden in the fall, it will decompose in the winter. Shredded leaves can be used anywhere in your garden and will attract worms that are great for soil health. If areas in your garden tend to be too wet, unshredded leaves will repel water.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-grass-clippings\">3. Grass Clippings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Another type of organic mulch that is entirely free is grass clippings. Saved grass clippings from your lawn mower can be used to help add nitrogen back to your soil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Grass clippings are best used for open unplanted areas where you want to suppress weeds. However, bear in mind that grass clippings decompose fast and can become slimy due to their high water content. Never use grass clippings from lawns that have been treated with weed killer or any other herbicides or pesticides.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-straw\">4. Straw<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The golden colour of straw can provide an attractive look for your garden. It takes longer to break down than leaves or grass clippings, often lasting an entire growing season. Straw is a popular choice for vegetable or fruit plants because it prevents the edibles from getting muddy, locks in moisture, repels birds and rodents, and attracts spiders and other plant-friendly insects.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-organic-compost\">5. Organic Compost<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Organic compost is the ultimate soil amendment and will quickly boost the fertility of your soil. A downside of organic compost is that it can become dry quickly. To avoid excessive dryness, combine it with shredded leaves. Adding shredded leaves keeps the compost wet and biologically active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-newspaper\">6. Newspaper<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Did you know that you can shred old newspapers and cardboard and use them for mulch? These materials are surpringly effective at preventing weed growth. Because newspaper is lightweight, you can maximize its longevity by covering it with a layer of another organic mulch like shredded leaves or grass clippings.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Newspaper has some drawbacks. For example, some newspapers have toxic dyes or colours, which can leach into the soil. In addition, some cardboard is coated with a synthetic material, which will slow or stop its decomposition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"inorganic-and-synthetic-mulch\">Inorganic and Synthetic Mulch<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/how-to-use-inorganic-mulch-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19187\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Inorganic and synthetic mulch doesn&#8217;t decompose quickly and therefore doesn&#8217;t require replacing or constant upkeep. In addition, inorganic materials are effective at repelling weeds and provide visual appeal to your landscape design.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Types of inorganic mulch:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>stone and gravel<\/li><li>plastic and landscape fabric<\/li><li>rubber<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-stone-and-gravel\">1. Stone and Gravel&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Stone or grave presents very few maintenance challenges since it doesn&#8217;t break down and doesn&#8217;t have to be periodically replaced. But, on the other hand, it won\u2019t add any nutrients to your soil or make your garden healthier.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stone or gravel can get hot in direct sunlight, so it is best used for plants that will benefit from additional heat, such as Mediterranean herb gardens, cactus, or rock gardens. For this reason, stone and gravel is not a good choice around plants that are sensitive to hot and dry conditions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-zolo-related flex items-center py-6 leading-tight border-t border-b border-blacklight undefined\"><p class=\"font-serif pr-6 md:pr-12 mr-6 md:flex-shrink-0 border-r border-blacklight\">Related content<\/p><p class=\"related-link w-full my-0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/how-to-garden-on-a-budget\">How to Garden on a Budget: 10 Simple Steps to Follow<\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>Stone and gravel do an excellent job at suppressing weeds and sealing in moisture. However, if you plan on using it in areas with no plants, consider covering the soil with landscape fabric first. The combination of stone or gravel and landscape fabric will prevent almost all weeds from growing through the rocks.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-plastic-and-landscape-fabric\">2. Plastic and Landscape Fabric<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Using plastic or landscape fabric is best around foundation plantings, shrubs, trees, and areas that don&#8217;t require frequent fertilization. While this type of inorganic mulch can control weeds, plastic or landscape fabric can hinder plants from drawing in nutrients, so it is not the best choice around plants with a high rate of growth and nutrient uptake, like fast-growing vegetables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a few things to look out for when selecting a plastic fabric. First, plastic polyethylene film is impermeable and retains a surprising amount of heat, which can damage the soil profile. You can minimize heat retention by layering an organic material over the plastic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Second, landscape fabric tends to be more expensive but is also long-lasting. You can extend its life by layering on shredded leaves or compost, with the added benefit of a more natural look. Both will work well at suppressing weeds.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Third, the most common problem with plastic or landscape fabric is water accumulating on top of the material, which signals insufficient water drainage. To ensure that the soil is getting sufficient moisture, cut holes in the plastic or fabric to allow water to pass through.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-rubber\">3. Rubber<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The rubber mulch is made of recycled pulverized tires. It is inexpensive, durable, and suitable for areas with a lot of foot traffic like playgrounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Using rubber is not a standard solution for home gardens, and if selected, there is a risk of the toxins present in the rubber or roads penetrating the soil, even though the rubber doesn&#8217;t visibly disintegrate.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-use-mulch-and-when?\">How to Use Mulch and When?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/how-to-use-mulch-when-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19188\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Gardening experts say that the best time to mulch is in spring and autumn, when the soil is moist. It\u2019s best to spread your material to a depth of two to four inches in most areas, although two inches can be sufficient for shaded areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best areas to apply mulch include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Around fruit trees and bushes<\/li><li>Around herbaceous plants<\/li><li>Under hedges<\/li><li>Around spring bulbs<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you start, make sure the soil is weed-free, you\u2019ve bought enough material to achieve your desired depth, the ground has enough moisture, and the surface is relatively flat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-zolo-related flex items-center py-6 leading-tight border-t border-b border-blacklight undefined\"><p class=\"font-serif pr-6 md:pr-12 mr-6 md:flex-shrink-0 border-r border-blacklight\">Related content<\/p><p class=\"related-link w-full my-0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/best-lawn-mowers\">The Best Lawnmowers in 2021 for Any Yard Size<\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>While the thickness of the material is important, more is not always better. For example, compost or shredded bark layer thicker than four inches can prevent oxygen from getting to the plants and kill healthy soil bacteria<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, avoid creating &#8220;mulch volcanoes&#8221; by heaping material around trunks of trees and keep it away from stems of flowers and vegetables. Since mulch helps keep moisture in the soil, it can cause rotting and attract rodents if these areas get too wet.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"final-thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A layer of mulch can provide a lot of benefits for your garden. For example, organic mulch such as compost, leaves, or bark can provide beneficial microorganisms and act as slow-release plant food. Inorganic mulch requires less maintenance, suppresses weeds, and protects against sun, rain, wind and snow. In addition, coloured mulch can improve your landscaping\u2019s curb appeal.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"5484\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/what-is-mulch-infographic-1024x5484.png\" alt=\"how to use mulch infographic\" class=\"wp-image-19228\"\/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn how to use mulch to improve your home&#8217;s curb appeal<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":19205,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"guide":[],"class_list":["post-19178","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-home-improvement"],"acf":[],"zolo_excerpt":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19178","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19178"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19178\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19229,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19178\/revisions\/19229"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19205"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19178"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19178"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19178"},{"taxonomy":"guide","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/guide?post=19178"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}