Gardening requires consistent efforts to maintain a healthy, manicured and thriving lawn all year round. Mulching is one of the most crucial practices for controlling weed growth, minimising erosion, improving soil health, and stabilising soil temperature in different seasons.
In layman's terms, mulch is a material used to cover the upper surface of soil, protecting its nutrients from extreme external factors. This not only protects your lawn's soil but also nurtures your plants, trees and their roots. The best part is that it can reduce the need for watering and aerating the garden bed as frequently.
However, it is essential to use the right type of mulch to keep your garden healthy and green for a long time. Try to avoid using synthetic mulch, as it can deteriorate soil health,
cause pollution, and generate excessive heat. This can even damage your lawn plants and trees.
Fret not! In this guide, we'll unveil 7 organic mulch types that also block weeds and promote soil health. Ensure regularly cut the grass with the help of professional lawn mowing Australia experts to boost your plant’s health.
Let’s Get Started!
1. Tree Bark: An Incredible Mulch
Believe it or not! Bark mulches are one of the best options to cover the soil of your lawn. Use it around shrubs, trees and garden beds without the stress of deep digging. You can also use it in your front walkways as well as foundation plantings.
The wood material decomposes slowly, creating a protective layer that controls soil temperature and suppresses unnecessary weeds. It is also great at reducing soil compaction, allowing the roots of your plants to absorb water and nutrients. You can use the shredded bark, as it works well in suppressing weed growth.
Note: Apply nitrogen rich fertiliser post mulching to keep your plants health and lush.
2. Grass Clippings
These are perfect for low accessible areas of your lawn where you can't remove weed regularly. Grass clippings have high water content and can get slimy quickly. Use it carefully to create a barrier that prevents water penetration into the soil.
It is better to use grass clippings on plain areas of your garden to enrich the soil's health or simply toss them in the compost bin. If you want to get rid of green waste, hire an experienced
lawn mowing Australia professionals Company to maintain a clean and manicured garden.
3. Wood Chips
Tiny wood chips can be an ideal organic mulch type for your lawn. It can suppress weed growth and prevent soil erosion, boosting your lawn's health. These typically contain a mixture of tree bark, inner wood, and leaves that can enhance the health of both soil and plants. First,
eliminate thatch and spread 2 inches of compost over the soil, followed by a layer of wood chips.
However, one major downside of wood chips is that they attract potential pests to the garden, such as termites. Therefore, use a natural pest remover to prevent termite and other pest attacks.
4. Pine Needles
Better known as pine straw, Pine needles are a light mulch type that can enhance the beauty of your lawn. The interlocking needles can help prevent soil erosion and compaction, keeping the plant healthy for longer. The only caution with fresh pine needles is that they can add more acidity to the soil, which may affect your plant's health.
It can be flammable, leading to
fire hazards in scorching heat. These can also prevent water infiltration to the soil if used excessively. So, use the right amount of mulch in the spring or winter season.
5. Dry Leaves
Dried leaves can be great organic mulch for your garden. These can prevent a thick, wet mat from forming above the soil. Once the decomposed leaves absorb the soil, it will release nutrients that will make your plant look lush, green and thriving.
However, it is good to avoid the leaves of black walnut trees, as they have juglone. You can use this organic mulch for vegetable gardens, annual flower lawns and overwintering pollinators. You can also use
eco friendly weed killer to protect your lawn’s health.
6. Compost
There is no denying that compost is one of the best organic mulch types, providing the necessary nutrients to soil and plant roots. It is a mixture of decomposed organic materials, including dead leaves, food scrapes, and cow dung. Compost insulates the soil, improves the texture and nurtures the roots even in extreme conditions. It can also be used as a soil amendment.
7. Aged Sawdust
Did you know that some plants love aged sawdust? Most acid loving plants thrive when you use aged sawdust as a mulch. It can prevent weeds, reduce erosion and insulate the soil. However, you'll need to regularly add fertiliser, as sawdust tends to consume a lot of nitrogen while decomposing. It can also create a mat layer that may reduce water absorption.
Tip: Hire lawn mowing Australia experts to
prune the plants and test the soil’s pH value. If the nitrogen levels are too low, use other mulching options.
Wrapping Up
These are the 7 most affordable, easily available and organic mulch types that can protect the soil from heat, control weed growth, provide enough nutrients to the soil and boost your plant's health.
