Think about our urban and suburban lives. Poor soil; unnatural fluctuations in heat and moisture; we rake up our leaves and cover the soil with concrete.
Think about trees in their natural forest environment. The soil has a blanket of leaves and other organic stuff, which is decomposing, providing the soil with a constant source of nutrients.
Mulch actually improves the soil! As mulch decomposes it adds humus and micro-nutrients to the soil. Additionally, studies have shown that the tree roots below mulch tend to have very high mycorrhiza colonies.
Mulch encourages the presence of earthworms which improve soil structure and add nutrients. But possibly the best reason for mulching your landscape beds is it looks terrific!
Agriculture has been vital to humanity for thousands of years. Over the millennia, farmers have had multiple encounters with the devastation caused by erosion, soil depletion and desertification. While modern gardeners and landscape professionals have learned to avoid these unpleasant consequences by using natural mulch, the technique has an interesting and long-lived history. At Wholesale Wood Products, we provide bulk mulch and compost to property owners and landscape designers in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding metro area communities. We enjoy helping our local customers discover the amazing benefits of wood mulch and would love to share more information with you. Have you wondered about the development of mulch? Here are some fun facts to satisfy your curiosity.
Origin of the Word Mulch
It is believed that the word mulch originated from the German wood molsch, which means soft, or decaying. Since natural forms of mulch are designed to perform such a function in the garden or lawn, then it is a fitting title.
Early Uses of Living Mulch
The earliest known example where the use of mulch as an agricultural technique was discussed in written record comes from China, around 500 BC. However, there is evidence of widespread use of mulching throughout various regions of the ancient and classical world. Many societies used green manuring, which involves cutting down crops for the sole purpose of mixing the material into the soil to provide additional nutrients. Examples of this practice include Sunn hemp form India and Seaweed in Ireland and Scotland. While these materials may have been used primarily for supplying nutrients and building the soil, and less for aesthetics or weed suppression, it performed many of the same functions that wood mulch provides modern day property owners.
Modern Mulching Practices
Modern mulching techniques began to emerge in the 17th and 18th century. Parisian market gardeners during this time period often used straw or wood chips to help grow and maintain their strawberries. Over time, people realized how the natural materials fed the soil, while also keeping out pesky weeds. More people began adopting the use of natural mulch for other crops as well, and by the 1900s, many property owners also adopted the method for their ornamental flowers and other landscape designs. This led to the use of rocks and other non-biodegradable substances to be used for pure visual appeal. Synthetic mulches emerged as well, including materials made from rubber tires. However, wood mulch continues to remain one of the most popular methods of mulching across the US, due to its non-toxic nature, and its ability to truly nourish the soil and feed their lawns and gardens long term.
Are You Ready to Enjoy the Benefits of Wood Mulch? Call or Visit Wholesale Wood Products
Do you want to reap the rewards of wood mulch? Then there is no reason to wait. Call or visit Wholesale Wood Products today. We proudly provide fresh, high quality, natural wood mulch for Atlanta area property owners. Our friendly customer care team is available to answer any questions you may have and can also schedule a time for your next bulk wood mulch delivery in Atlanta, Duluth, Dunwoody, Norcross, Sandy Springs, Georgia or a nearby neighborhood.
