STOP MULCH VOLCANOES
I probably write a blog on mulching every year. It is very important to mulch your trees and shrubs correctly. Their health depends on us doing the right thing when it comes to mulching. Yes, it is late December but mulching is done year round. And, poor mulching techniques is done year round as well.
I would be correct in stating that the number one and number two causes of plant death are buying the trunks of plants under a heavy pile of mulch and the other major cause of plant death is improper watering. Unfortunately, I see this all throughout the year.
PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH OVER-MULCHING
Incorrect mulching is a waste of time and money, and as I stated in the previous paragraph, is becoming the number one cause of death with shrubs and trees.
Death of plants from volcano mulching is gradual, with symptoms sometimes taking 3 to 5 years to show. It starts with the decline of plant vigor and rate of growth. Roots of our plants need oxygen in order to grow. Heavy, thick layers of mulch will deprive the roots from getting oxygen.
BENEFITS OF PROPER MULCHING
Good maintenance of our shrubs and trees is common sense – it is what the plants need to flourish in nature. Think about it…in the wild, the forest floor is covered with layers of decomposing leaves, twigs, and other plant material. In our growing neighborhoods, the most common mulch is made of wood chips of varying types and sizes.
Proper mulching
- Controls weed and grass growth.
- Mulch conserves soil moisture by slowing down the evaporation of water from the soil surface.
- Mulch protects the trunks from mower / weed whacker damage
- Mulch helps to moderate soil temperature.
- Mulch improves soil fertility as it decomposes.
- Mulch helps to prevent erosion.
Here is what to do
- Let the root flare of the tree or shrub to be exposed.
- You want to mulch out and not up, which is volcano mulching.
- 2 to 4 inches of mulch is all the is needed at any one time. And be sure the mulch to the tree or shrub’s drip line, if possible.
REMEMBER THIS RULE WITH MULCHING
KEEP THE BARK DRY AND THE ROOTS MOIST
If you do this then you just PLANTED A LITTLE HAPPINESS!!!!!!!