mulch

noun
  1. A material, such as decaying leaves, bark, or compost, spread around or over a plant to enrich or insulate the soil. noun
    The gardener applied a thick layer of mulch to the flower beds to retain moisture.
    Mulch can help suppress weeds and improve the overall health of the soil.
  2. To apply a layer of mulch to the surface of the soil. verb
    It's important to mulch around the base of trees to protect their roots during winter.
    After planting the seedlings, she mulched the garden to conserve water.