Does mulch offer new life to your flowerbeds? Does mulch keep the weeds at bay? Does mulch protect your soil from erosion and increase moisture retention? The answer to all these questions is: YES. Mulch is a wonderful addition to any garden or flowerbed and offers both aesthetic appeal, weed control, and other great benefits for your plants!
What is Mulch?
Mulch comes in many shapes and colours and can be made from a variety of materials. Most mulches are composed of shredded or chipped wood that can be dyed to provide a range of colour choices. Greely Sand & Gravel offers eleven different types of mulch, allowing our customers to create exactly the look they want for their garden or flowerbed. Our mulches are made from pine and cedar trees, and have the lowest carbon footprint when compared to other types of mulch. Pine and Cedar mulch are also sustainable since they are produced using by-products from sawmills and forestry operations.
What are the Benefits of Mulch?
Mulch adds visual appeal to your garden or flowerbed. If you love vibrant flowers, why not accent them by adding a black mulch that allows the colours to stand out? Lightly coloured mulches can also highlight details of your home’s exterior, and make a great base for a decorative boulder.
However, the benefits of using mulch go deeper than aesthetics! Mulch is a safe and natural product that can be used to stunt the growth of weeds by limiting their exposure to sunlight. The fibrous nature of mulch allows it to retain moisture that is then slowly absorbed by plants, providing necessary hydration. Lastly, mulch protects your soil from erosion, helping to ensure that your garden or flowerbed stays intact.
How do I apply mulch to my garden?
Once you have received your delivery of mulch, simply use a shovel to evenly distribute the mulch over your soil. Mulch should be applied after you have planted your plants and once your seeds have germinated and sprouted, so as not to stunt their growth. We recommend a layer of at least three inches for a new application of mulch. In order to keep the colour of your mulch bold and vibrant, consider reapplying a one inch layer of new mulch every year or every other year.
What about the dye used to colour mulch? Is it safe?
All of our enhanced mulches are coloured using biodegradable dyes that are considered to be safe for the environment. This also means that our mulches are not harmful for plants or pets. If you prefer a mulch that has not been dyed, we recommend our Composted Pine Mulch. This product is rich in organics and retains moisture longer than other mulches. As it continues to decompose over time it slowly releases nutrients back into the soil, conditioning it and encouraging healthy plant growth.
How do I know which mulch I should use for my project?
When it comes to mulch, the choice largely depends on personal preference! Which colour best accentuates your plants and the exterior of your home? Do you prefer the rich aroma of cedar or the more subtle scent of pine? The choice is yours! If you need more help deciding or would like to learn more about the benefits of a specific type of mulch, please call our office at 613-821-3003 – our knowledgeable team would be happy to assist you!