Close-up of dried brown flowers with snow and blurred ground in the background. The focus is on the textured petals, highlighting the contrast between the dried plant and the wintery setting.

Islands of snow floated atop the landscape as grass and plants began to reveal themselves, as if waking and stretching from a long, deep slumber.  March has thus far been a lamb, and although not out of the woods, Spring seems possible and near.

A wooden fence stands in front of a beige house with two small windows. A tree trunk and a green trash bin are visible beside the fence. Shadows from tree branches fall across the house and fence.

Along with Spring Clean Ups and Lawn Renovations, we must turn our attention to one of the most important additions to the landscape. Mulch.  If you do nothing else this year, install or replenish mulch! It’s literally considered a work horse in the landscape and can quickly turn a tired, unkempt yard into a neat and aesthetically pleasing landscape, but that’s not all!

Two workers unload a large pile of mulch from the back of a dump truck onto a driveway; one uses a rake while the other stands near the truck bed. Trees and grass are visible in the background.

Mulch helps maintain moisture and reduces evaporation; thereby, minimizing the need for supplemental watering and capitalizing on moisture that naturally falls to the ground. Mulch also helps control weeds by suppressing germination. It is also a great insulator and can improve soil aeration and drainage. Mulch can reduce the likelihood of damage from lawn mowers and weed trimmers by creating a barrier, and lastly, mulch helps give planting beds and tree rings a uniform and manicured look.

A large pile of brown mulch sits on a driveway, surrounded by green trees, grass, and a wooden fence in the background.

What exactly is mulch? Mulch can be defined as any material used on the surface of the soil, including organic materials such as wood chips, straw, pine needles, cocoa hulls, peat moss and lawn clippings. Inorganic mulches include river rock, shredded rubber, volcanic rock and synthetic fabrics. Organic mulches are preferred and more widely used. They are also more cost-effective, but the choice is ultimately yours.

A mulched garden bed with some green plants surrounds a tree, bordered by rocks, next to a white fence in a backyard with grass and more plants in the background.

How should mulch be used? Mulch should be spread at a depth of 2-4″. Not to exceed 6″. For trees, the larger the mulched area, the better, as it should reach, minimally, the drip line (i.e. the outer perimeter of the branches); however, never mound the mulch up around the base of the tree, also known as “volcanic” mulching. This can promote disease on the lower trunk as the tree’s bark is no longer exposed to air and light. The bark will begin to rot, and the tree can no longer protect itself from insects and disease. “Volcanic” mulching also promotes the growth of secondary roots which can encircle the trunk and choke off the main roots. This type of mulching won’t kill a tree immediately, but will lead to a slow, unnecessary death.

Single-story extension with three large windows and light brick exterior, bordered by green shrubs and mulch, connected to a larger dark brown house, with neighboring homes and trees in the background.

When should mulch be used? Almost any time is a good time, but many prefer to mulch or re-mulch in Spring. Reach out to Sweeney’s today, and let us provide and install that “cure-all”. You and your landscape will be glad you did!  We proudly serve the communities of Villa Park, Elmhurst, Oakbrook, Oakbrook Terrace, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Wood Dale, Itasca, and more!

Sweeney’s:  A Plant Based Company

Plant of the Week

Bright pink dianthus flowers with serrated petals in full bloom, surrounded by green foliage in the background.

Firewitch Cheddar Pinks

Masses of fragrant, raspberry-colored flowers bloom profusely amongst bluish-green, grass-like foliage May – August.  Prefers full to partial sun and dry, well-drained soil.  Grows 8-12″ tall and 3-6″ wide.  Excellent groundcover.  Drought and salt tolerant.  Attracts butterflies.  Deer resistant.

“It was difficult to enjoy the trees and flowers when I was so aware of all that I had not yet done – pruning, weeding, transplanting, mulching, composting, tagging. When I was doing the work myself, I was happy, free.”

— Jay Neugeboren

Well wishes,

Kim Sweeney