The use of mulch and pine straw for plants is a very common practice. Probably, there are people who use them as a purely ornamental element because, depending on the material and color they use, it can give a very nice look to our gardening. However, we should not only look at it from an aesthetic point of view. More importantly, we must look at its many environmental benefits. In this article, we will talk about these great benefits.
Mitigation of Effects of Substrate Erosion and Compaction
Substrate is the material or physical support on which the plant is to be maintained and the basis for its development. We will differentiate it from the term soil since the latter refers to the soil for cultivation, which has different properties according to the geological and ecological characteristics of the area.
Substrate supports the plant and is the medium for root development; it also creates the right conditions for nutrient absorption through the roots.
One of the main properties of substrate is compaction. Rain and irrigation over time erode and compact the substrate. Mulch and pine straw work as a protective layer that keeps water from forcefully reaching the substrate, while contacting the mulch first and watering the substrate more gently, promoting healthy soil ecosystems.
Evaporation Reduction
Mulching reduces water evaporation in summer. It retains soil moisture accumulated during spring rains, which boosts plant hydration. In this way, we will not need to water our plants as much; thus saving this precious and unfortunately increasingly scarce resource.
Organic and Biodegradable
Being a 100% organic material, based on leaves, bark, pine straw, etc., it´s healthful and ecofriendly. Hence, there will be no need for synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, making your gardening more sustainable and eco-friendlier. In short, nothing is wasted: what some plants and trees discard becomes useful for others.
A Protective Barrier between the Lower Leaves and the Substrate.
In this way, the chances of leaves coming directly in contact with the substrate are reduced. If the substrate is wet, it could mean that the leaves have already begun to rot. This may affect the chemical composition, not only harming the plant involved but the neighboring plants as well, leading to a gradual imbalance in the micro-ecosystem.
If you are looking for a pine straw or mulch sale or installation in Lawrenceville, Gwinnett County, or Georgia, don’t hesitate to contact the experts in the field. At Professional Ground Covers we’re at your service to advise you on what the best option is, depending on your plants, surface, substrate, and many other elements you don’t need to worry about anymore. Just leave that to us. Please call us and give us the opportunity to make your garden an ecological and self-sustainable one.
