Mulch
Spring Is Here, Time To Mulch
In its most basic form, mulch is a protective covering of organic or inorganic material spread on the gardens and trees throughout your yard. And oh boy, does it make your yard look GREAT! By mimicking the natural coverings of a forest floor, mulch can be used to reduce evaporation, maintain even soil temperature, prevent erosion, control weeds, enrich the soil, or keep fruit clean.
We like to Educate Our Customers with Proper Techniques
Mulching makes your yard look great. But, when not applied properly, can cause problems, making it more trouble than it’s worth sometimes:
Mulch that is piled too high can lead to excess moisture buildup in the root area, which can stress the plant and cause root rot.
Piling mulch directly against the trunk or stems of plants can stress the stem tissue and may lead to insect infestation and disease, or create a habitat for pests that will eat and damage the plants.
Some mulches, especially products containing cut grass, can affect the pH of the soil and stunt growth.
Thick blankets of very fine mulch can be too constricting and may prevent the penetration of water and air into the soil. A thick layer of fine mulch can also behave like potting soil, supporting weed growth.
Anaerobic or “sour” mulch may give off an unpleasant smell, and the natural acids that build up from this type of mulch may be toxic to young plants.
There are ways, with the proper tools, procedures, and knowledge under your belt, that such problems can be avoided:
Before mulching, inspect the plants and soil in the area to be mulched. Determine whether or not the drainage is adequate to allow the mulch to retain moisture but still drain off excess water. Also, determine the types of plants in the area—not all plants thrive with all types of mulch.
If mulch has been applied to the area before, check the depth of the existing layer. Do not add mulch if there is a sufficient layer of about 2 to 4 inches already in place. Instead, rake the old mulch to break up any matted layers and to refresh its appearance.
If the mulch has been piled directly against the tree trunk, pull it back so that both the base of the trunk and the root crown are exposed.
For sites with sufficient drainage, apply a 2 to 4-inch layer of mulch around the tree. If drainage problems, do exist a thinner layer of mulch should be used. Place mulch out to the widest circumference of the trees branches, or it’s “drip line”, and beyond.