In this day and age when prices are skyrocketing, and everyone is trying to save and make a buck, I noticed the gas companies are also feeling this pinch.  Even though their financial statements show huge profits, they are looking for alternative ways of bringing in the dollars.  During the summer months it is hard to pull into the gas stations because of all the bags of mulch that are in the way.  I figure the huge profits of the gas companies are the direct result of selling mulch and not gasoline and diesel like some people speculate.

 

Why are the gas companies selling mulch?  They tell us that they are customer oriented so there must be a benefit of these huge pallets of mulch at every gas station.  I believe the gas stations are selling the mulch not to make a dollar but because mulching is one of the easiest ways to keep your landscape beautiful and healthy. 

 

Mulch is any protective layer of material that is spread over the soil.  Mulch that came from live organism is referred to as organic mulch.  Examples of organic mulches are grass clippings, leaves, needles, twigs, bark, straw, and elephant dung.  We often don’t think of plants as mulch but in truth perennial ground cover plants such as grass protect our soils and can be considered organic mulch. 

 

Inorganic mulches are made of non-living material.  Items that can be used as inorganic mulch are gravel, crushed stones, plastic, landscape cloth, grounded rubber, and newspapers.  Many of you are now saying to yourself I finally have a use for Chuck’s articles.

 

When applied correctly mulch can benefit your landscape through increasing the health of your plants and adding beauty to your home. 

 

The beauty of mulch is achieved by providing a cover of uniformity that will unify the landscape.  Much like that orange shag carpet in your front room that brings the florescent green couch together with the sky blue chair.  Mulch also creates interesting color and texture to beds in your yard.

 

By applying mulch to beds there will be less water loss through evaporation.  This conserves water and reduces the need for frequent watering. 

 

“Natural glues” hold soil particles together.  These glues are not as strong as man made epoxy glue and Super Glue.  The term for the holding together soil particles is soil structure.  Soil structure is very important for soil aeration and water retention.  The opposite of good soil structure is soil compaction.  Soil compaction occurs every time you drive across your yard.  Mulch can help reduce compaction from heavy rains, walking paths, and washing your car on the front lawn.

 

Organic mulch can actually improve the soil structure as it decomposes.  The decomposition of organic mulches will also add nutrients to the soil.

 

Mulch is used to reduce weed growth in flowerbeds.  This is unless the mulch itself contains weed seeds.  Two to three inches of mulch should reduce weed seed germination and smother existing weeds.

           

Soil under mulch is cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.  By maintaining an even soil temperature you have healthier plants.

 

Not only does mulch help protect the soil but it also protects plants from the common disease often referred to as lawnmower blight.  This is a common disease in yards and parks were lawnmowers tear off the bark of plants.  I have learned over the years that it is always the lawnmower’s fault.

 

With all the complaining lately about the high price of gas and the oil companies, I hope now you will have more respect for them as they try to help you out in maintaining a beautiful and health landscape by selling all that mulch.  Remember they have your needs utmost in their minds.