The Chilliwack Progress Wednesday, March 16, 2016
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March 2016 September 2015 PRODUCTS kk QUALIFIED TRADES kk EXPERT ADVICE kk
Making the most of mulching Mulch is a potentially valuable tool homeowners can use to improve the look and health of their properties.
weeds. Weeds which steal moisture that plants need to build strong roots and survive summer, need light to grow. When laid correctly, mulch deprives weeds of this much-needed light. Mulch also can deter harmful pests depending on the type of mulch homeowners choose.
Mulch serves various purposes in lawns and gardens, including strengthening soil and protecting properties from the elements. Many experienced lawn and garden enthusiasts lay mulch to ensure their properties make it through spring, summer and fall unscathed.
When purchasing mulch, homeowners can choose between organic or man-made products. While manmade mulches can repel pests, they may also have adverse effects as they could be made of plastic or rubber. Plastic, for example, can heat up in the summer and cause plants to burn.
WHAT IS MULCH? Mulch refers to a material spread around or over a plant to enrich and/or insulate its soil. Many homeowners prefer mulch made of wood chips, which is both effective and readily available. WHY MULCH? Mulching can benefit plants around a property in various ways. Many people lay mulch to help soil retain moisture in the summer, when temperatures tend to be at their hottest. It can help plants survive summer heat waves. Mulch also can be used to suppress
Certain organic mulches can repel insects that threaten plants. The mulch increases the amount of beneficial bacteria in the soil, and the presence of helpful insects that do not pose a threat to plant life. Those helpful insects help keep the harmful insects at bay. However, compost is a type of organic mulch that may attract harmful insects. While this does not mean homeowners should shy away from using compost as mulch, they should know that they may need to employ organic insecticides to combat their unwanted guests.
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