Maintaining a healthy and beautiful lawn at home is something every man takes great pride in. But, sometimes, it’s easier said than done. The dry summers make it hard for grass to stay green, while the harsh winters make it difficult for the soil to stay fertile. One way to combat the weather and keep your lawn looking and feeling healthy is by adding mulch to your landscape.
Mulch acts as a buffer between the soil and the external environment. It’s a great way to keep the soil moisturized during the heat of the day and provides an excellent growing environment for good nutrients within the soil.
You may be wondering, though, does mulch help grass grow?
Does Mulch Help Grass Grow?
The answer is no. Mulch does not help grass grow. In fact, it’s better at killing it than growing it.
Mulch is generally used for three purposes: evening out soil temperature, reducing the loss of soil moisture and killing grass and weeds. Grass needs water and plenty of sunlight in order to grow healthy and strong. So, putting a layer of mulch on top of your lawn will most definitely kill it.
Mulch is not to be confused with mulching, however, as mulching will help the grass grow. Mulching is the process of using the grass clippings from your lawn mower after cutting the grass and spreading those clippings around the lawn to provide the grass with fertilizer and nutrient-dense food.
Why Choose Mulch for Your Lawn?
Mulch is also used in most cases to replace grass. So if you’re having a hard time keeping up with the yard and need less grass to maintain, mulch is usually the answer. It’s also a great way to get rid of difficult weeds and unsightly lawn disturbances such as daffodils and moss.
Mulch looks aesthetically appealing and is easy to apply and maintain. It’s also a great way to combat weeds, bugs, and other unwanted garden guests. Mulch typically looks nice with many flowers and outdoor plants and complements a home’s exterior well. Since mulch is easier to maintain than grass, it’s also an excellent choice for busy homeowners that want good curb appeal but don’t have time to maintain a manicured lawn.
Types of Mulch
Two types of mulch are commonly used on the lawn, inorganic and organic. Organic mulch comes from natural sources such as wood, hay, tree bark, and pine needles. Organic mulch is great for people that want a healthy lawn that looks and feels natural. This type of mulch is the most commonly used type of mulch and makes for a cleaner, more eye-popping landscape.
Inorganic mulch comes from sources that do not decompose and are never living materials. Examples of inorganic mulch include rocks, gravel, plastic, and rubber pellets. Inorganic sources of mulch work well for people on a budget as they tend to be a more affordable option.
Conclusion
So, if you’re wondering if mulch helps grass grow, the simple answer is no. Mulch is a great way to add character to your lawn without too much expense, and it’s an easy way to landscape that looks nice and feels natural. Adding mulch in place of grass is great for busy homeowners who don’t have the time or energy to maintain a manicured lawn. But, although mulch is an excellent addition to your yard, it will kill your grass.