Temperatures are rising in Colorado, and our plants will be thirstier. If you got a late start on your garden due to the late-spring storms, you will need to water regularly to be sure plants are established and healthy.

The drought is over—for now—but doesn’t mean we shouldn’t still try to conserve water. Give the plants the water they need and don’t waste a drop.

One way to save water and dress up the landscape in the process, is to top dress bed areas with mulch. And there is nothing better to use than fresh, 100% organic wood mulch.

Check out our top five reasons for wood mulch:

• Seasonal mulching decreases evaporation rates from the soil by as much as 35 percent, which makes for efficient water use.
• Mulching also suppresses weed growth. If there are fewer weeds in your yard, there are fewer plants competing with your landscape plants for nutrients and moisture. That’s another water savings.
• A healthy layer of mulch insulates plants and helps protect their roots from the extreme temperature shifts we experience in Colorado.
• As mulch breaks down, it becomes nutritious organic matter, which promotes future healthy growth
• Like frosting on a cake, mulch creates an even appearance across the landscape and provides year-round color, texture and interest.

Mulches recycled from local pruning debris can be put back into the landscape as a healthy amendment. Locally sourced mulch is a sustainable option, supporting the local economy and lessening the carbon footprint.

Because it is derived from organic material, it settles onto the soil and does not blow away like mulch that has been recycled from treated wood products such as pallets. It must, however, first be watered in so that it settles.

Camelot Design is a landscape design company with a passion for sustainability in the environment. Touch base to learn how you can save water easily and naturally in your landscape!