Brown Hardwood Mulch

In agriculture and gardening, mulch is a protective cover placed over the soil, primarily to modify the effects of the local climate. A wide variety of natural and synthetic materials are used, the most common being wood.

Mulch is used for various purposes:

to adjust soil temperature by helping soil retain more heat in spring and fall, and by keeping soil cool and even out temperature swings during hot and variable summer conditions
to control weeds by blocking the sunlight necessary for germination
to retain water by slowing evaporation
to add organic matter and nutrients to the soil through the gradual breakdown of the mulch material
to repel insects
to incrementally improve growing conditions by reflecting sunlight upwards to the plants, and by providing a clean, dry surface for ground-lying fruit such as squash and melons.
for erosion control - protects soil from rain and preserves moisture
for sediment control - slows runoff velocity

Mulch is usually applied towards the beginning of the growing season, and may be reapplied as necessary. It serves initially to warm the soil by helping it retain heat. This allows early seeding and transplanting of certain plants, and encourages faster growth. As the season progresses, the mulch stabilizes temperature and moisture, and prevents sunlight from germinating weed seed.

Chipped or shredded wood used as mulch is often dyed to improve its appearance in the landscape. The dye is usually a water based product and helps in the ornamental appearance.