From Our Experts: Beat the Summer Heat with Strategic Mulching

The sun-drenched days and balmy nights of Hampton Roads summers are upon us. While Virginians savor the opportunity to spend time outdoors, the relentless heat and humidity can wreak havoc on our beloved lawns and gardens. Keeping your landscape lush and vibrant throughout the summer requires strategic planning, and mulching is crucial in this success story. Mulch is the secret weapon for beating the summer heat and conserving water. At Mercury Mulch, a leading provider of high-quality mulch in the Hampton Roads area, we’re passionate about helping homeowners achieve healthy, beautiful landscapes that thrive year-round.

The Power of Mulch: Moisture Retention Made Easy

Mulch is more than a simple decorative element; it's a functional powerhouse for any garden. During scorching summer months, one of its most significant benefits is its remarkable ability to retain moisture in the soil. No matter the variety, mulch acts as a protective shield on the soil surface that shades the soil from the sun's direct rays, significantly reducing moisture evaporation. Mulch also regulates the rate at which water penetrates the soil, allowing for better absorption and preventing water from running off, especially during heavy summer downpours.

Benefits of Strategic Mulching for Summer Landscapes

There are many benefits to strategically applying mulch in landscaping and gardens in the summer.

• Reduced Watering Needs: Mulch provides greater water retention and absorption in the soil. Thus, plants won't require constant watering.
• Healthier Plants: Consistent moisture levels in the soil are vital for healthy root growth and overall plant health. Mulch produces robust, healthier plants that are better equipped to handle the summer heat and humidity.
• Cooler Soil Temperatures: Mulch acts as an insulator, keeping the soil cooler during hot weather. New plant roots can be protected from heat stress, a common culprit behind wilting and stunted growth.

The Right Mulch for the Right Job

Mercury Mulch offers various high-quality mulch options for your needs and landscaping style.

• Hardwood Bark Mulch: A classic and versatile option, shredded hardwood mulch provides excellent moisture retention, weed suppression, and a natural aesthetic.
• Cypress Mulch: Known for its slow decomposition rate and rich, earthy color, cypress mulch is a popular choice for flower beds and around trees and shrubs.
• Dyed Mulch: Spruce up your landscape with a pop of color! Our dyed mulch comes in various colors and can add a playful touch to your garden design.

Mulching is a simple yet powerful strategy to beat the summer heat and keep your landscape thriving. By reducing water evaporation and promoting moisture retention, mulch helps conserve water while keeping plants healthy and beautiful. Contact us at (757) 219-2033 for top-quality mulch and expert advice on choosing the right type for your needs! We're here to help Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, York County, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Isle of Wight residents and businesses create stunning and sustainable summer landscapes.

Heidi A. Kratsch, 2002 “Water-Wise Landscaping: Mulch.” Utah State University: Center for Water-Efficient Landscaping. Last modified February 6. https://extension.usu.edu/cwel/research/water-wise-landscaping-mulch