Mulch is a key factor to improving the look and quality of your landscape beds… But did you know that not all mulch is made equally? 

Mulch plays a vital role in enriching your soil, fertilizing plants, and reducing evaporation, meaning less watering sessions during those hot summer days. Not to mention, fresh mulch immediately elevates the look of your landscaping and brings it back to life after the long winter.

The Pros exclusively use premium or color-enhanced mulch. Some types of mulch take dye better than others. Bark mulch is commonly seen; however, this type of mulch fades quickly and starts to look light brown or gray as the season progresses. A better alternative is hardwood mulch, which preserves the dye longer. We love how it stays vibrant through the rainy season and that the vegetable oil-based dye is nontoxic to pets and kids!

So how can you tell that mulch is high-quality? First, we look for a mulch without a high bark content. More specifically, we’re looking for wood from the inside of the tree instead of just the bark outside. The wood retains moisture better, making the decomposition rate faster. This adds important nutrients back into the soil. Avoid mulch with big chunks, as it tends to dry out quicker.

Another good way to tell if you’re using good mulch is if it grows fungus. Yes, it’s an eyesore and definitely not “fun,” but it’s also a sign that it’s decomposing properly. Fun Fact: Have you ever noticed a “fairy ring” of mushrooms? Fairy Rings are signs that there used to be a tree in that location and its roots are decomposing!

Take a look at our blog here for more details on organic mulch or give the Pros a call to get a personalized recommendation!