Applying Mulch
While selecting a mulch that does what you want is important, applying mulch at the right time and in the right way is equally important. So, let's take a look at the best times to apply mulch for the best results.
Mulch can be applied multiple times. You want to make sure you mulch at the right time as mulching too early can delay drying of soil. This is problematic to the subsequent root growth which is dependent upon sufficient aeration (oxygen content in soil) and reasonably warm temperature in the root zone. Mulch is usually applied first in spring after the soil has warmed and begun to dry from winter rains and snow. Depending on soil texture, temperature and other weather conditions, this is usually mid to late spring. So, when you mulch will depend on where you live, for example, in seasons and areas of more than ample rainfall and/or cool temperatures, mulching should be delayed until late May or June.
A second application is often needed in autumn. If your plants are already established then the timing of the mulch application may not be as important as it is on new plantings. New plantings of things such as shallow rooted shrubs and evergreens, herbaceous perennials, or strawberries need to be mulched at the right time to get proper growth. Because heaving of small plants, especially those newly planted, occurs following alternate freezing and thawing of the soil, apply mulch following the first indication of frost in the ground. Mulching slows the thawing cycle and thus heaving. For established plants, water thoroughly in late autumn if the soil is not already moist, then mulch.
Besides just mulching at the right time, mulching with the right depth is important as well, as different depths will effect the features of the mulch.
Mulching depth:
The recommended mulching depth really depends on the type of mulch. However, depending on the material selected, it is generally 2 to 2.5 inches. At this depth, most mulches will accommodate the primary objectives of weed control, soil moisture conservation and temperature modification. Without this depth, you do not get as good of results with your mulch.Mulching depths less than two inches may not satisfy the principal objectives, or in other words, if you do not mulch deep enough you may get weeds, your soil moisture won't be as conserved as well, and your temperature won't be as regulated. However, making it too deep is just as bad as making it too shallow; mulch applied 3 to 6 inches or more can lead to serious problems for landscape plants. A mulch that is too thick may severely reduce or eliminate drying and lead to water-logged soil, particularly during wet seasons or in heavy clay loam soils. Extended periods of wet soils in spring are most damaging to a number of perennials, azalea, rhododendron, conifers in general, and taxus or yew in particular.
Excess mulch, particularly if applied right against the stem or trunk of landscape plants, also leads to constantly wet bark and conditions favorable for disease development.
Extra heavy mulch layers in autumn are often a haven for rodents to nest, which may lead to girdling (destruction of the food conducting vessel in the stem) of selected plants when wildlife food sources are covered with snow. In autumn, pull the mulch back approximately six inches or more from the stem or trunk of all woody plants to avoid rodent feeding.
When reapplying mulch over an existing base, bring the total depth up to 2 to 2.5 inches. Avoid applying two inches of mulch with each application or soon a depth greater than three inches will accumulate. For example, when using cypress bark, which is slow to decompose, very little mulch will be needed in subsequent applications to maintain desired depths.
So, when you apply your mulch, make sure you put it in at the right time and at the right depth.
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Tags: mulch mulching landscaping gardening
