Which practice helps to suppress weeds in landscaping?

Mulching is an effective landscaping practice that helps to suppress weeds for several reasons. When organic or inorganic materials are spread over the soil surface, they create a barrier that blocks sunlight from reaching the weed seeds. This sunlight blockage prevents the germination and growth of many weed species. Additionally, mulch helps to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature, creating a more favorable environment for desirable plants, which can outcompete any potential weeds for resources.

Moreover, organic mulches, such as bark, straw, or wood chips, can decompose over time, enriching the soil with nutrients, which further fosters the growth of healthy plants. This healthy plant growth can also shade and suppress the emergence of weeds. In contrast to practices like mowing, which primarily manages grass height and can sometimes encourage weed spread, or fertilizing and overwatering, which may inadvertently support weed growth, mulching serves as a proactive and beneficial strategy for managing weeds effectively in landscaped areas.