Mulching
Mulches are materials place over the soil surface to
maintain moisture and improve soil conditions.
Mulching is one of the most beneficial things a home
owner can do for the health of a tree or plant.
Mulch can reduce water loss from the soil, minimize
weeds, and improve soil structure. Properly applied,
mulch can give landscapes a handsome, well-groomed
appearance. Mulch must be applied properly; if it is
too deep, or if the wrong material is used, it can
cause harm to trees and other landscape plants.
Apply about 1" of shredded bark mulch around top
the of plants and
about 2-3" of shredded bark mulch to the rest
of your beds. When mulching around trees do not apply mulch in
contact with tree trunk.
Benefits of Proper Mulching:
-
Helps maintain soil moisture.
Evaporation is reduced, and the need for watering can be minimized.
-
Helps control weeds. A 2-4" layer of mulch
will reduce the germination and growth of weeds.
-
Mulch servers as natures insulating blanket.
It keeps soils warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
-
Can inhibit certain plant diseases.
-
A layer of mulch around trees can reduce the
likelihood of of damage from weed whackers or lawnmower blight.
-
Mulch gives planting beds a
uniform, well-cared-for look.
Problems from Improper
Mulching:
-
Deep mulch can lead to
excess moisture in the root zone, which can stress the
plant and cause root rot.
-
Piling mulch against the trunk
or stems of plants can stress stem tissues and may lead to
insect and disease problems.
-
Thick blankets of mulch can
become matted and may prevent the penetration of water and
air. In addition, a thick layer of fine mulch can become
like potting soil and may support weed growth.
Approximate coverage for 1 cubic yard of mulch:
- 1" Depth - 300 sq ft
- 2" Depth - 150 sq ft
- 3" Depth - 100 sq ft
- 4" Depth - 81 sq ft
- 5" Depth - 54 sq ft
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