Ask yourself this question: how much grass do you see in the forest?
Grass is a major competitor for moisture and nutrients. Mulch helps insulate the ground to keep the trees roots cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter; so it retains moisture, alleviates compaction and adds nutrients. Any weeds that grow in mulch are very loosely rooted, so they pull out very easily. Mulch also helps protect roots and stems from lawn mower and string trimmer damage.
Besides all the benefits that mulch provides, it is also attractive, plentiful, easy to work with, and inexpensive.
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