Mulch Isn’t Your Only Option: Using Variety in Your Landscaping
Mulch Isn’t Your Only Option: Using Variety in Your Landscaping
Your yard’s landscape can either support or destroy a guest’s first impression of your home. If you want to transform the appearance of your home, creating a beautiful and cohesive landscape is the best method. Aside from selecting the trees, plants, and sod that will compliment your space, you also need to consider mulch.
Mulch serves the vital purpose of enhancing the visual appeal of flowerbeds and other landscaping features, holding moisture, protecting plant roots, and so much more. Though most homeowners utilize wood or bark mulch, there are many alternatives that can serve the purpose you need while also offering unique aesthetic and maintenance benefits.
Alternative #1: Rocks
Rocks, pebbles, and other stones can replace mulch while still suppressing weed growth and retaining moisture throughout your landscape. Since rocks are more affordable than other options and are durable enough to be reused year after year, they lend a sense of simplicity to landscape maintenance. If you go this route, be sure to apply fertilizers to your plants since rocks cannot decompose and deliver nutrients to the soil like mulch can.
Alternative #2: Rubber Mulch
This little known mulch alternative is actually manufactured from 100 percent recycled rubber, most often from old tires. In addition to looking attractive, rubber mulch also protects the soil underneath from temperature fluctuations, reduces fungus growth, and acts as a barrier to weeds. Just as with rocks, rubber mulch will require soil to be fertilized in order to receive all of the nutrients needed.
Alternative #3: Groundcover
Groundcover is any plant that grows low and close to the ground. A groundcover plant like Christmas fern, lilyturf, or English ivy can protect topsoil from erosion and drought while also adding an undeniable element of aesthetic appeal. Though groundcover isn’t often maintenance-free, it looks so beautiful that you won’t mind!
Creating a stunning outdoor landscape is a job best left to the professionals, so call Oasis Palms and Landscaping at (813) 370-1135. Located in Apollo Beach, Florida, Oasis Palms and Landscaping specializes in designed and installing beautiful and professional outdoor landscapes from residential homes and businesses alike. Reach out today to transform the look and feel of your own yard.