Why put down a layer of mulch?

1. Insulates the soil and roots.
2. Aids in water retention.
3. Makes weeding easier.
4. Improves the soil.
5. "Fixes" soil pH.
6. Aids in disease control.

Mulch helps to insulate the soil, reducing temperature extremes. During July and August, in the heat of the day the soil just below the mulch, where the tender feeder roots are, can be as much as 10 to 15 cooler. Come fall, an unexpected freeze will not kill the mulch protected feeder roots.

A layer of mulch helps to reduce evaporation of the soil's moisture. This is a big deal here in West TN from late May through mid-September when the temperature is scorching hot, rains are infrequent, and watering can take so much time.

Any weeds that sprout will have to reach all the way through the mulch to get a firm purchase on the soil, leaving plenty of time for you to notice the weed and oh so easily pluck it from the mulch before it's roots even get close to the soil.

As organic mulch decays nutrients are released into the soil. More importantly, organic mulch provides food for worms and microorganisms that release more nutrients and loosen the soil, helping to turn our clay and the mulch into rich black soil.

Organic mulch can "fix" the soil's pH so when fertilizers are added or depleted, the pH will not fluctuate as much.

Splashing water can spread many rose diseases such as blackspot and powdery mildew. When diseased leaves fall to the ground and are hit by falling water, there is a splash that can carry disease spores up onto the plant where the spores will germinate and infect. Mulch helps to absorb and disperse the impact of falling water, reducing the opportunity for the spores to re-infect the bush.

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