Lessen the amount of weeding work you have to do in your garden by putting down mulch. A blanket of mulch three to four inches deep will smother weeds and keep weed seeds from sprouting. Weeds that do pop up will be easier to remove, since their roots won’t go deep into the soil.  

Mulch helps shrubs, trees and garden beds retain moisture. You’ll still need to water your plants, but you may be able to water less often and save money on your utility bills.

Mulch helps regulate the temperature of the soil. Plant roots stay cooler when the temperatures rise. In the winter, mulch helps the soil stay warmer to protect the roots from the cold.

Watering and rainfall can wash away your soil, but mulch helps prevent erosion. It lessens the impact of the water droplets as they hit the ground. Heavy mulches can help control erosion in areas with strong winds. Mulch can also help keep the soil from compacting in areas that get a lot of foot traffic.