Applying mulch is an important lawn maintenance step. In addition to making your landscape more attractive, it retains moisture and controls the soil's temperature. It’s also effective at suppressing weeds.  However, it can struggle with this responsibility if used incorrectly. If you're dealing with weeds growing through your mulch, use this guide to figure out what’s wrong and how to correct it.  

Why Do Weeds Grow in Mulch?

Weeds require the same ingredients — sunlight, moisture, and soil nutrients — for growth as the rest of your lawn, but they aren’t picky about how they consume them.

Mulch can block out the majority of the sunlight that would attract the weeds toward your plants. However, if enough isn’t used, sunlight can effectively get through, encouraging weeds to compete with your shrubberies’ roots.

How to Prevent Weeds

Before plants start growing in the spring, the lawn and garden should be raked smooth. Any old mulch, visible weed growth, and debris should be removed to promote healthy growth. Existing weeds should be removed from the root to ensure they don't grow back. 

A pre-emergent herbicide applied to the soil can prevent weeds from growing through the mulch. Also, a black landscaping fabric can block out additional sunlight without preventing moisture from reaching the soil.

A lawn maintenance professional can cut holes in the fabric to ensure it fits around existing plants without damaging them. They'll also help apply additional layers of mulch to compensate for decomposition and wind loss. 

Protect your landscape against weed growth this spring by contacting the lawn maintenance professionals of Eden Lawn Care & Tree Service. For 34 years, this locally owned and operated company has provided quality lawn fertilization, maintenance, weed control, and aeration services to the Greater Lincoln, NE, area. Their team of professionals also includes a licensed and insured arborist who can assist with pruning, trimming, and treating tree health issues. Call (402) 488-3177 for a free estimate, or visit their website to learn more about their services.