The answer to 'how does mulch work' is that mulch is a protective ground cover made from organic materials like wood chips, leaves, or bark. Mulch is spread around plants and trees to provide several benefits for the soil and plants. Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil, suppresses weed growth, insulates plant roots from extreme temperatures, and slowly decomposes to add nutrients back into the soil.
Applying a 2-4 inch layer of mulch around plants and trees helps create an optimal growing environment. The mulch acts as a barrier to prevent water evaporation, keeping the soil moist for longer. It also blocks sunlight from reaching weed seeds, inhibiting their growth. As the mulch decomposes over time, it releases beneficial nutrients that enrich the soil and promote healthy plant growth.