Why Mulch Matters So Much

The lawn loving Burlington inground irrigation experts here at Nutri-Lawn are constantly singing the praises of mulch. And there’s a good reason for it! Known for both its aesthetics and natural benefits, mulch can have a major impact on your lawn and gardens.

So what are you waiting for? Make the most of your mulch with these tips from the Burlington inground irrigation experts at Nutri-Lawn.

What is Mulch?
It’s worth noting that there are a number of different kinds of mulch on the market. At Nutri-Lawn, we deal primarily with organic mulch, or mulch that’s made up entirely of natural substances, such as bark, wood chips, grass clippings, and other yard trappings. While it’s not always the most aesthetically pleasing type of landscaping product, organic mulch is packed full of important nutrients. Inorganic mulch, on the other hand, is designed primarily for looks. This type of lawn fill is made up of gravel, pebbles, and often requires the use of landscape fabric (a material that makes it impossible for plant life to grow beneath the mulch).

Is Organic Mulch Really That Beneficial?
Mulch plays an important role in organic lawn care, thanks in part to its ability to retain moisture. Owners of Burlington inground irrigation systems water their lawns far less often when they make an effort to include mulch in their landscape design. This is because organic mulch helps to lock in moisture, keeping soil health, hearty, and resistant to disease. Nutrient-rich mulch mixtures, like Nutri-Lawn’s organic top dressing treatment, further improve soil structure by introducing important nutrients into your turf’s topsoil.

Whether you’re applying mulch to your turf or your garden, there’s no denying the power of this earthy organic element. Here are a few additional benefits that you can look forward to when applying mulch to your property:

  • Healthy soil: Millions of microorganisms live in organic mulch. These teeny-tiny creepy-crawlies help to improve the structure of your soil and increase the availability of nutrients to plants and grass seed. Simply put, the more you mulch, the less you’ll need to fertilize as your lawn will already have all of the nutrients it needs to be healthy.
  • Improved moisture retention: Mulch helps reduce water evaporation on your property by protecting the soil from exposure to sun and wind. This is doubly true when you pair a Burlington inground irrigation system with regular mulch applications.
  • Improved weed prevention: As little as 5 centimetres of mulch can help smother weed growth in your lawn and garden. Just be careful not to clump your mulch together as this can ultimately smother all plant life, not just the weeds!

Mulching Madness: Answers to Commonly Asked Questions

When it the right time to apply mulch?
Make the most of your mulch by applying it right after you’ve planted your garden or sown your grass seed. The seedlings will benefit greatly from the nutrients in the mulch.

How thick should I apply mulch to my lawn?
Lawn mulch, especially the kind that includes lawn clippings, should never be applied any thicker than 5 centimetres. Garden mulch can be applied up to ten centimetres deep.

How should I prep my lawn for a mulch application?
Your mulch will have a bigger impact on your lawn’s health if you apply it after a core aeration treatment. You’ll also want to keep the mulch nice and moist by watering it with your Burlington inground irrigation system.

Have a question about mulch? Then don’t be afraid to contact our Burlington inground irrigation experts for more information.