Landowners often overlook the convenience of bark mulch. A 2 – 4″ layer of this organic material ensures consistent soil temperature, healthy, moist conditions, proactive weed reduction, and tree root protection. It also gives your walkways, decorative gardens, and miscellaneous greenery a tidy, well-maintained look, relieving you from the constant worry of maintaining your landscape as often.
Depending on the product chosen, bark mulch can also add a base of warm colouring (oranges, browns, reds) for a pleasing appearance and odour.
However, if the mulching is mismanaged, any missed spots will sprout ugly weeds that require additional work. Proper bark mulching isn’t a one-time task; effective mulching requires periodic inspections, replenishing, and eventual replacement.
When properly applied, bark mulch is a sustainable and cost-effective way to promote the long-term health of your property’s shrubs and trees and the appearance of your building.
Moisture Retention
In the same way people cover certain foods to prevent air from drying them out, mulching provides a protective layer for the soil. The process reduces soil deterioration, evaporation, and erosion.
Bark mulch is porous and fibrous, which helps it absorb rainwater. Over time, this collected moisture is slowly released back into the ground.
Moisture retention reduces the watering necessary to sustain the root systems of woody plants. This is especially important during dry spells of intense heat when strict watering restrictions come into effect.
Bark mulch significantly retains more moisture than unprotected soil, making mid to late spring the optimum time for a fresh application. Care must be exercised not to remove old mulch from gardens and flowerbeds at the wrong time. Doing so can dry out the ground and negatively affect the root systems below.
Weed Suppression
The same protective barrier that enables existing plants to thrive simultaneously effectively blocks new seedlings from penetrating the dirt and germinating.
A thorough covering organically suppresses weed growth, negating the use of toxic chemicals. Unfortunately, many commercially available herbicides can negatively affect the surrounding environment, causing harm beyond their intended purpose. Mulch denies any weeds already in the soil of the sunlight they need to grow and flourish.
Soil Health Improvement
More than providing a protective layer for trapping in the good and keeping out the bad, mulch contributes organic matter back into the ground as it gradually breaks down. This decomposition process aids soil fertility, supporting the earthworms and microorganisms that offer beneficial nutrient cycling and aeration. In this way, bark mulch improves the soil’s overall structure, stability, and health.
Depending on the type of bark mulch used, you can improve the soil’s pH balance by neutralizing its salinity, improving drainage, and increasing water’s ability to penetrate plant roots.
Gardens, flower beds, and trees benefit from the nutrients mulching provides.
Temperature Regulation
Bark mulch’s insulating properties regulate the soil temperature between the seasons. During the hottest and coldest months, a bed of bark mulch allows the soil beneath to remain at a more consistent temperature. Diminishing the impact of extreme temperature fluctuations will protect and nurture the growth of the desirable plant species you want to see thrive.
Spring, summer, and fall present opportunities for proactive bark mulching in the Lower Mainland. Again, the amount used and its timing are critical for achieving optimum results.
Aesthetic Enhancement
Whether you prefer composted bark mulch, shredded hemlock, or some other variety, a fresh mulch application around your property guarantees a well-groomed appearance. Bark mulch suggests your exterior space is being taken care of and adds cohesive elegance and uniformity to your landscaping. Proper mulching makes you feel proud of your property’s appearance.
Different varieties of bark mulch are available on the market, each with unique properties that affect its colour, texture, purpose, and price. An experienced landscaper or gardener can recommend the bark mulch that best serves your needs. Professional gardeners will consider the type of plants in your landscape, the local climate, and your aesthetic preferences to help you choose the right kind of bark mulch.
An area free of ugly sprouting weeds is infinitely more appealing than one with unsightly, overgrown, unwanted plants.
Pest Control
Not only does bark mulch improve soil conditions and the visual appeal of your building’s exterior, but bark mulch that includes cedar or cypress heartwood will also help drive away unwanted critters, including cockroaches, termites, spiders, moths, mosquitoes, and others.
Effective pest control starts with selecting the most appropriate pest-resistant plants and strategically placing them around a property. By working with a qualified landscaping outfit, you have a company that will attend to your land and remain vigilant about the warning signs of problematic critters and infestations.
Erosion Control
Any exposed soil is subject to loss due to wind, rainy conditions, and the land’s topography. Mulching is an effective method to reduce the effects of erosion and runoff. Organic bark mulch effectively shields against the pounding rain and powerful winds, holding everything in place.
Bark mulch stabilizes the topsoil and absorbs water, protecting seeds and fertilizer from being carried away. The technique used to lay down your mulch also plays a role in its overall effectiveness, so you always want to ensure your property is maintained professionally.
Cost-Effectiveness
With its many positive attributes, bark mulch is an intelligent investment in your property’s upkeep. From composted black bark mulch to larger nugget chunks, there are various mulching options and prices to choose from. Your location and the specific usage of your property (office building, playground, garden, etc.) will factor into the most suitable option for you.
Are You Considering Incorporating Bark Mulch into Your Landscaping?
Does your property require mulching? If so, what type should you use? If you’re responsible for the appearance of a larger property, a professional landscaping company can assess your property and determine your needs. Property management service companies can handle all aspects of the job, from choosing the right bark mulch to applying it correctly.
When mulching your surrounding landscape, it’s wise to schedule proactive upkeep and support throughout the year; a professional landscaping company can provide this.
In business since 2003, CanWest Property Services has been providing high-quality
landscaping services, including mulching, to commercial properties across Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. We understand the importance of exterior appearances for commercial businesses and are committed to helping our clients maintain attractive and healthy landscapes. We’re available by phone or email if you’d like an estimate on any of our services. Let us formulate a plan for your property’s year-round upkeep. From mulching to snow removal, our services keep you in full compliance and looking your best. Our team looks forward to working with you.