They provide an area free of competition from grass and weeds, as well as keeping mowers and weed trimmers away from young plants. Finally, they provide a neat and professional appearance. Simply removing the sod around the plants and keeping the area cultivated is sufficient if you have the time to devote. That benefits plants in the same way a farmer helps his crops by cultivating his fields or you do by hoeing the vegetable garden. Applying a mulch to the area will reduce labor by keeping the weeds down and keeping moisture and temperature at a more constant level.
Shredded bark is one of the most popular of the organic mulches.
Other organic mulches such as cocoa bean hulls, bark chunks or bark chips are options for mulching beds. They all provide a good soil conditions as they break down. All the organic mulches do need to be replenished periodically. Each type of mulch has advantages and disadvantages. Your representative can help you decide which is right for you.