A Coco Chip mulch provides numerous benefits when used as a soil covering, or mulch. It produces a very attractive decorative finish to beds and borders, as well as pots and other containers. When spread thickly enough it reduces evaporation and water loss, suppress weed growth and deters slugs and snails. It insulates the soil and protects plant roots from extremes of temperatures, so it is very useful for tender plants in winter and shallow-rooted plants, such as camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons and hydrangeas, in summer. As it slowly breaks down it will steadily improve soil structure. For best results, spread a 5-7.5cm (2-3in) deep layer over the soil in beds and borders. Use a 2.5-5cm (1-2in) deep covering in pots and other containers. To protect plants against cold and frost damage, you may need to increase the depth to 7.5-10cm (3-4in).