LANDSCAPE RESOURCES

HELPFUL TIPS:             

Mulching trees and shrubs is a good practice in keeping  plants healthy and reducing landscape maintenance. Mulch helps conserve about 10 to 25 percent of the moisture lost from plants through evaporation and  helps to  keep the soil well aerated by reducing soil compaction that results from heavy rain.  Mulch can  also reduce water runoff and soil erosion as well as  the likelihood of soil borne pathogens.   Organic mulches decompose with time releasing small amounts of nutrients and organic matter into the soil.  They help maintain a more uniform soil temperature (warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer) and provides an environment for beneficial soil microorganisms and earthworms. 

Mulch serves its function best at a depth fo 2-4 inches and should be kept 1 to 2 inches from the base of plants to prevent bark decay. Keep in mind that mulch depth can depend on the type of material used and the drainage and moisture holding capacity of the soil. Sandy soils dry out quickly and often benefit from a slightly deeper mulch layer (3 to 4 inches). A site that stays moist may not benefit from mulching at all.

Mulch can be applied any time of the year, however the best time to mulch is late spring after the ground has thawed and the soil has warmed.  Mulching while the ground is still cold can delay soil warming and possibly inhibit plant growth. When fertilizing it is not necessary to remove the mulch as the nutrients will penetrate through the soil each time you water.