Benefits of Using Mulch There are many advantages of adding mulch to a garden area, besides making the garden more attractive and finished looking.

These include: One of the best benefits of any mulch is its ability to retain moisture in the soil.

Organic mulches break down over time and contribute to soil health. This can be very helpful, especially if your soil fertility is poor.

Mulch reduces winter injury and helps with weed control.

Other garden mulch benefits include~ protection from erosion and protection from mechanical injury from weed eaters and lawnmowers.

Some mulch types, such as cypress, cedar, or pinewood chips do an excellent job of repelling ticks, gnats, and fleas.

Caution~

TOO much mulch (a layer more than 3 inches deep) can bury and suffocate plants; water and oxygen can’t reach the roots. A layer of 2 to 3 inches of mulch is ample. Do NOT over-mulch/pile mulch around tree trunks and plants.