Mulch reduces soil temperature to facilitate root growth, inhibits weed germination and growth, and encourages beneficial soil organisms like fungi and earthworms.

I confess. I love mulch. It's a natural way to enhance organic matter and retain moisture in urban soils. Mulch is available in both organic and inorganic forms, and it comes in different shapes and sizes.

Most people think of mulches as raw or partially decomposed pieces of wood or bark. While this is true, mulches also consist of black plastic, straw, pine needles, pecan shells, and decomposed granite. All mulches reduce soil moisture evaporation, but I prefer the organic varieties because of the carbon they add to the soil. Inorganic products like decomposed and rolled granite types are incorporated into the landscape to facilitate drainage for xeric plants.

What else can mulch do for you? Mulch reduces soil temperature to facilitate root growth, inhibits weed germination and growth, and encourages beneficial soil organisms like fungi and earthworms.

SAWS Conservation has a new rebate program for mulch. If you purchase a minimum of 3 cubic yards and provide before and after photos of the areas you covered with mulch to a depth of 2 inches, we will apply a $50 credit to your water bill. For more details, visit SAWS www.saws.org or call the Conservation department at 704-SAVE.

Mark A. Peterson is a conservation project coordinator for San Antonio Water System.