Mulch is a popular landscaping material that you'll see around gardens, trees, and other landscape features. Different mulch types and colors will add a pleasing visual to your lawn. However, the material offers several other benefits to aid in lawn health, which you can learn about below.

3 Ways Your Yard Can Benefit From Mulch

1. Lawn Health

One of the best ways to mulch your lawn is using grass clipping. Instead of raking, bagging, and throwing grass clippings away, consider leaving them behind. When the clippings break down, they release vital nutrients into the soil, including phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium, essential for healthy plant growth. A thick amount of grass clippings on your lawn can smother the uncut grass growing in the lawn. However, you can avoid this by cutting an inch or less off your grass each time you mow to allow for fast decomposition. 

2. Soil Temperature Maintenance

Extreme temperature changes in the soil can cause problems for plants. Using bark, rubber pellet, or rock mulch in your garden will shield your plants' roots from temperature fluctuations around the ground's surface. Adding mulch to your summer landscaping plans will keep the roots cool. In the winter, the mulch will prevent the plant roots from freezing. For optimal protection, add a two-inch or three-inch layer of mulch around your plants without putting the material directly onto them. That way, your plants will still receive sufficient water and oxygen. 

3. Water Retention in the Soil

During the summer, moisture can quickly evaporate from soil, leaving grass and plants needing water. Though you could increase your lawn watering frequency to combat this issue, mulch is a more efficient solution. Because mulch offers shade to whatever landscape it covers, it helps the dirt retain water by slowing evaporation. Coarse mulches, such as pine bark, are perfect for retaining soil moisture and allowing water to filter past the mulch and into the soil to reach the plants' roots. 

Mulch will help your landscaping endeavors, but it isn't the only step you should take. For the best residential landscaping products and services in Lexington, KY, head to Glynn Young's Landscaping & Nursery Center. Since 1988, this family-owned and -operated garden center and tree farm have serviced residential and commercial customers. Their 6.5-acre garden center has over 3,000 tree species alone. You can also receive expert landscaping services from their professional landscape designers. Visit their website or call (859) 885-6100 for more information.