You may not have hours to spend tending your garden, but you can still keep it healthy and attractive with proper mulching. Mulch keeps the roots of your plants cool on hot days and warm on cold days. It keeps the soil moist, and if it’s organic, it breaks down and adds nutrients. Here are safe, fast ways to mulch.
Don’t Cover the Collar
The collar is the place where the trunk of your shrub or tree or the main stem of your plant connects with the root. Make sure this area is clear of mulch to a diameter of a few inches. If it’s covered, air can’t circulate, and the mulch can rot the bark.
Don’t “Volcano Mulch”
This describes mulch that not only covers the collar but also piles up the trunk of the tree, resembling a volcano. Some gardeners think that volcano mulching looks better, and others use it to hide imperfections in the lower part of the trunk. However, volcano mulching can suffocate and eventually kill your tree.
Don’t Mulch More Than 3 to 4 Inches Deep
Don’t add a layer of mulch that’s more than 3 to 4 inches deep. Anything deeper than that can lead to trunk and root rot by trapping too much water in the mulch. Thick mulch also stops oxygen from entering the soil and encourages pests like rats and mice to build nests. It makes the tree more vulnerable to diseases, too.
Water the Mulch After Applying
Take time to water the mulch after you apply it and smooth it out a bit. Watering the mulch keeps it stable, adds water to the soil, and helps to regulate its temperature.
Loosen Old Mulch Before Adding New
If you see that the old mulch has flattened out or has developed a crust, loosen it to allow air to circulate and water to reach the roots. Add newer mulch if the old layer is too thin. If the old mulch is still 3 to 4 inches deep, loosen it a bit, and then let it alone.
Avoid Inorganic Mulch
Some gardeners swear by inorganic mulch such as gravel, shredded car tires or even glass chips. Others say to avoid them. These materials give the area an interesting look, but they don’t add nutrients, can make the soil too hot, and don’t allow oxygen to reach the soil. Some gardening experts don’t even recommend dyed wood chips because they provide few nutrients when they break down. If you live in Holliston, MA or a surrounding area and need mulching services, make your first call to Tree Specialists.
