By Emma Peterson. 

Dig into what mulch is and how it helps garden beds thrive.  

When landscaping an outdoor space, mulch is often the key to pulling a vision together. It can come in a variety of colors and forms that can make a space look polished and professional. But mulch is far from a one-trick pony, not only does it have aesthetic appeal, it is also a gamechanger for your plants’ health. The experts at Greendell Landscape Supply put it simply, “Mulch is your garden’s guard, keeping weeds out, moisture in and your plants thriving.” 

Keep reading as we dive into these benefits and more, along with covering some of the common types of mulch so you can find the best fit for your next project! 

Benefits of mulch 

• Keeping weeds down: Mulch is designed to be spread over the top of a garden bed, around the plants that you have chosen for the space. By creating a barrier between the soil beneath it and the sunlight, it can help keep weeds down! In general, you will want two to three inches of mulch for optimal weed control.  
• Managing moisture: Another bonus of having a barrier on top of your soil is moisture management. Mulch can help your soil retain moisture (also reducing the need for frequent watering) by keeping water from evaporating too quickly. This not only helps your plants, but it also helps your water bill!  
• Regulating temperature: Temperature fluctuations can be the bane of any gardener. But mulch can help with that! Mulch acts as an insulating layer above the earth that helps keep your plants safe from extreme weather changes, such as frost and overheating.  
• Improving the soil: Many mulches are made of natural materials, such as wood chips, that will eventually break down. While the thought of having to re-mulch might sound frustrating, it actually is a good sign! When organic mulches decompose, they release nutrients into the soil that improves its structure and fertility, making it a better home for your plants.  
• Reducing erosion: A little rain, especially in the summer, is a gardeners’ best friend. But too much rain can flood your plants and wash away your soil. That’s where mulch can come in to save the day! By covering bare soil with mulch, you create a protective shield that minimizes the impact of heavy rain and reduces the risk of erosion. This is especially important for slopes gardens, where it is recommended to use a combination of mulch and landscape fabric/netting for security.  
• Boosting curb appeal: Like we said earlier, mulch is both functional and fashionable! It is a great way to give your garden beds a polished, fresh and professional appearance, which can bring together the entire exterior design of a home. 
• Preventing compaction: Light and airy soil is key to having thriving plants. If your soil gets too compacted, it can stifle growth. Mulch creates a cushion that helps prevent compaction through things like foot traffic by absorbing the weight before the soil gets compacted. 

[Insert “wheelbarrow.png” to the right of the following text] 

Types of mulch 

Ultimately, every mulch has its own strengths and benefits for an outdoor space. Whatever project you are working on, there is a mulch that will help it look its best. Here are some of the common types of mulch available. 

1 – Shredded wood 

If you are looking for a versatile mulch option that works well for flower beds, around trees and for pathways, shredded hardwood mulch is a great option. It is also very eco-friendly as it will release enriching nutrients into the soil as it decomposes. Further, shredded wood makes a fairly densely composed mulch, which is great for suppressing weeds, retaining moisture and regulating soil temperature.  

2 – Sof-step playground 

As the name implies, sof-step playground mulch is the perfect option for children’s play areas. This is because it is specifically engineered to be safe and comfortable. How does it achieve this? It is made from finely shredded wood, which provides a cushioned surface that minimizes injuries in recreational areas. As a mulch, it also provides excellent drainage and resists compaction, making it very durable.  

3 – Dyed mulch 

When it comes to creating a dream yard or garden, there is often an aesthetic goal that the homeowner has in mind. Dyed mulch, which comes in bold colors like black, brown and red, is a great option for making these goals a reality. If you want a fresh, vibrant front yard, walkway or garden border, this is the perfect type of mulch.  

4 – Other options 

In addition to those three main categories of mulch, there are a few subcategories that are specifically designed for gardeners. One is straw. While maybe less aesthetically pleasing than some types of mulch, straw forms a very dense yet breathable cover. This both keeps weeds down while still allowing water and nutrients to get to your plants.  

Another unconventional subcategory is compost mulch. This unites two different types of garden treatments, mulch and compost, into a thick layer that smothers weeds while enriching the soil with nutrients. Similar to shredded wood, compost mulch improves soil structure and nutrients as it breaks down. 

Learn more about finding your perfect mulch-match at Greendell Landscape Supply!

By Dani Sheehan. 

Deliver outdoor spaces that are lush, low-maintenance and environmentally conscious this season. 

As the summer heat sets in, landscaping professionals are tasked with creating outdoor spaces that are not only beautiful, but sustainable and smart. With water conservation and climate resiliency more important than ever, your summer strategy should be built around intentional design and efficient water use. Here’s how you can deliver high-performance landscapes that thrive all summer long. 

Design with purpose 

Before you start planting shrubs, take the time to understand how the space will be used. Is it a play area for kids? A shady retreat? A pollinator-friendly garden? Matching the design to the client’s goals ensures longevity and satisfaction. 

Key design strategies: 

• Plan before you plant: Sketch out your layout, note sun exposure, soil type and wind patterns. Group plants with similar needs together for a balanced, efficient system. 
• Hydrozone strategically: Separating plants by their water needs simplifies irrigation and reduces overwatering.  
• Choose regionally appropriate plants: Native and drought-tolerant species thrive with less intervention. They’re also naturally resistant to local pests and diseases. 
• Use turf with intention: Lawns should serve a clear purpose. Reduce turf areas in favor of mulched beds or permeable hardscapes when possible. 

Pro tip: Offer clients design refreshes that reduce turf, increase biodiversity and improve water efficiency. 

Work with water 

In summer, every drop counts. Your irrigation and soil strategies should focus on deep root growth, moisture retention and smart delivery. 

Water-smart tactics: 

• Water deeply and less frequently: This encourages root growth and minimizes surface evaporation. 
• Mulch like a pro: A two-to-three-inch layer of mulch helps soil retain moisture, regulates temperature and blocks weeds. It’s like sunscreen for the soil. 
• Improve soil health: Test soil regularly and use compost to boost moisture retention and nutrient content. 
• Install smart irrigation: Drip irrigation systems with weather sensors and timers are more efficient than traditional sprinklers. 
• Aerate and amend: For compacted or sandy soils, improve infiltration and water-holding capacity with proper aeration and soil amendments. 

Pro tip: Mid-summer is a perfect time to refresh mulch and inspect irrigation systems for leaks or inefficiencies. 

When you lay the groundwork with purpose and efficiency, you set your clients, and their landscapes, up for long-term growth. 

At Greendell Landscape Solutions, we manufacture a complete line of quality mulches ourselves, including Sof-Step for playground surfaces, professional growing mixes, and soil amendments. We guarantee the quality of the products. For products we don’t manufacture here, we offer only the highest quality brands. As a service to our customers, we offer truck delivery for orders of mulch, soil, and stone. The min/max quantities per delivery are as follows:

• Mulch: 1 to 20 cubic yds
• Soil: 1 to 5 cubic yds
• Stone: 1 to 5 cubic yds for most. Larger quantities of our lighter-weight stones are available; see individual products for details.

And if you require smaller quantities, you can always purchase those at our Mooresville Location, or buy by the bag at your nearest garden center carrying Greendell products. Once a qualifying bulk order is in your online cart, you have the option of purchasing helpful add-on products to be brought with your order. These products cannot be ordered online by themselves, but a trip to our garden center will get you with stocked with everything you need (and more!) to get the job done! At checkout, you will be able to select a delivery date. The delivery fee is based on zip code proximity. If no shipping options display for your location, please give us a call at 317-996-2826.

Purchase bulk mulch. 

Purchase bulk soil.

Purchase bulk stone.

Purchase fire pits.

Purchase add-ons.