Why Mulch Matters: Types, Benefits, and Application Tips

If you’ve ever wondered whether mulching your yard is really worth the effort, the answer is a resounding yes—especially in Montana’s climate. Mulch is more than just a finishing touch for your flower beds. It’s a powerhouse tool for soil health, moisture retention, weed suppression, and temperature control. At Horizon Landscape Management, we consider mulch one of the most effective ways to protect and enhance your landscape year-round.

Here’s what you need to know about why mulch matters, the different types available, and how to apply it for maximum impact in Billings and beyond.

The Benefits of Mulch in Montana Landscapes

Mulch acts like a protective blanket over your soil. Whether you’re working with garden beds, tree rings, or newly planted shrubs, a good layer of mulch offers several important advantages:

Moisture retention: Helps soil hold water longer, which is crucial during hot and dry Montana summers.

Weed control: Blocks sunlight from reaching weed seeds, reducing growth.

Temperature regulation: Insulates soil, keeping roots cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

Soil health: Organic mulches break down over time, adding nutrients and improving soil structure.

Erosion prevention: Especially helpful on slopes or exposed beds during spring snowmelt and storms.

Aesthetic value: Gives your landscape a polished, tidy appearance.

Simply put, mulch is a multi-tasking material that supports healthy plants and simplifies yard maintenance.

Types of Mulch: What to Use and When

Choosing the right mulch depends on your landscape goals. Here are the most common options we recommend for Billings-area properties:

Shredded Bark (Pine or Cedar)

Long-lasting and visually appealing. Great for flower beds, shrubs, and trees.

Cedar varieties also repel some insects.

Wood Chips

Ideal for pathways, playgrounds, and naturalized areas.

Break down slowly and are often available locally.

Compost or Leaf Mulch

Rich in nutrients and great for vegetable gardens.

Breaks down faster, so it requires reapplication more often.

Rock or Gravel

Best for xeriscaping, around cacti or succulents, or areas prone to high wind.

Doesn’t decompose but doesn’t add nutrients either.

Straw or Hay

Commonly used in vegetable gardens or around young plants.

Avoid seed-heavy hay that could introduce weeds.

Each has its place, and sometimes a combination works best across different zones of your yard.

How to Apply Mulch Like a Pro

You don’t need to be a landscape expert to get mulch right—but a few simple tips can help you get the most out of every load:

Clear the area: Remove weeds and water the soil before applying mulch.

Don’t skimp: Aim for 2 to 4 inches of depth for most organic mulches.

Keep it off trunks and stems: Leave a few inches of space around the base of plants and trees to prevent rot or pest issues.

Refresh annually: Organic mulch breaks down and should be topped off each year to maintain effectiveness.

For large projects or hard-to-reach areas, professional installation may be the easiest option. Horizon Landscape Management offers mulch delivery and spreading services to help you start strong each season.

Let’s Mulch Smarter, Not Harder

Whether you’re looking to reduce weeds in your flower beds, support healthier soil in your vegetable garden, or give your front yard a cleaner look, mulch is one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make. At Horizon Landscape Management, we help Billings homeowners choose the right mulch for their space and apply it the right way.

Visit https://horizonlandscapemt.com to request a quote or ask about mulch delivery and installation services. Your yard will thank you—with healthier plants and less maintenance all season long.