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As we move into the
summer months, this is the time where mulching around your plants can really
help in more ways than one.
Proper mulching has so
many benefits…Mulching helps to reduce weeds…it conserves moisture –
especially during the drier times of the summer…helps to regulate the soil
temperatures keeping those roots cooler….some mulches add organic matter
back to the soil……it helps to tie the landscape beds together…and of course,
if just looks good! It truly is the icing on the cake, and really is good
for the plants. But, as we all know, just like the icing, too much can be a
bad thing.
Over mulching restricts
air and water flow, creates anaerobic conditions, and can cause plants to
root in the mulch rather than the soil. And research has shown that mulch
piled against the trunks of trees causes trunk decay and eventual death of
the tree.
So when you’re
mulching…1.) fluff up any existing mulch first. You may find you won’t need
to add any mulch at all. 2.) When adding mulch, keep your mulch levels to
a minimum. I prefer 1-3 inches max…and go towards the 1 inch level…3 inches
maybe around larger trees….And never, ever, pile mulch against the trunk of
the trees. The mulch should actually stop about 3-6 inches away from the
trunk, giving a donut appearance with the tree coming out of the center of
the “mulch donut”.
By the way, when
re-mulching or fluffing up your existing mulch, be sure to apply Preen to
help stop those unwanted weed seeds from growing. It sure can save your
back and keep those beds looking even better all summer long. |
