 Welcome to Alabama's smart yards. We're creating beautiful yards that protect natural environments. Why? Because it's a smart thing to do. Today, Bethany Arrear will tell us why mulch is important for every garden. Not only does it benefit our plants, but it also improves the garden aesthetic. If you think about it, we're copying the natural cycle that occurs in wild native landscapes. Whether filled with your favorite trees, shrubs, and flowers, or home to delicious fruits, vegetables, and herbs, mulch makes any gardener landscape healthier. First, mulch conserves moisture by decreasing evaporation. Additionally, it reduces weed growth when applied two to three inches deep. Mulch decreases soil erosion and helps prevent some plant diseases, and it also protects the trunks of our favorite trees and shrubs. Mulch comes in two forms. Organic materials, like pine straw, pine bark, and even newspapers or cardboard, build soil as they break down. This is great for your plants, but also means that you will need to replenish this mulch layer every now and again. Inorganic mulches, like gravel and river rock, last longer, but can be more expensive. Because they do not break down, they lack the soil amendment qualities of organic mulches. No matter which mulch you use, a two to three inch deep layer is all you need. Mulching too deeply can smother the roots underneath and prevent water from reaching them. Even though you might see these around, a mulch volcano is never a good idea. This can set the stage for disease and other problems down the road. Bark, gravel, or straw, it's really up to you. No matter the choice, your garden or landscape will look healthy and beautiful.