No mulch is perfect.
However, understanding the attributes of various materials can greatly help you
choose the best mulch for your landscape.
Important Considerations When Choosing the Best Mulch
Summer or Winter
Mulch?
Summer Mulches –
These are also known as growing mulches. They are normally applied after the
soil began to ward in the spring. Some of their primary roles include warming
the soil, retaining soil moisture, and reducing the growth of weeds.
Winter Mulches – They
are used primarily as insulation for woody plants. They must be laid down in
late fall to keep the soil evenly cool through the entire winter season. Some
of the effective winter mulches include shredded leaves, pine needles and
straw.
Where to Place The
Mulch
- For vegetable gardens or small fruit plantings, it is best to use black plastic and straw.
- For shrub beds or perhaps around trees, wood chips, pine needles and barks are considered the best-suited mulches.
- For rock gardens, use fine gravel or crushed stone mulches.
- For perennial or annual beds, consider using wood shavings, cocoa shells, and barks.
Characteristics Of An Excellent Mulch
- Readily accessible
- Can be easily applied and removed
- Cost-efficient
- Gives organic matter to the soil
- It is free of toxic weeds, diseases, and insects.
Uses Of A Mulch
Reduces soil erosion
- If water droplets will land on bare soil, the soil particles usually fly in
all directions which then can result to crusting and slow water infiltration.
Mulches will actually break the impact of water droplets, thereby reducing soil
erosion and crusting, as well as enhancing the penetration of water into the
soil.
Improves soil
structure – As organic mulches decompose, they will provide organic matter that
will prompt soil particles to aggregate. Large aggregates will actually boost
aeration as well as enhance moisture condition in the soil. In turn, these
conditions will encourage additional root development as well as biological
activity – and this will indeed further enhance soil structure.
How To Manage Mulches In Your Landscape
- Prior to covering the area with mulch, you have to bring the site to its desired grade. Also, it is indeed a smart idea for you to treat the area with a pre-emergent herbicide before mulching.
- Organic mulch must thoroughly cover the area to a uniform depth for it to become very effective. Be reminded that bare spots are very much prone to weed problems. Moreover, uneven mulch will not properly insulate the soil.
When it comes to
mulching, there are indeed a lot of important things to consider for you to
make the most out of your mulch.
About the author: Kenneth Lawrence is a homeowner and
a writer. He usually spends his free time learning more about home improvement
tips. He continually visits sites like http://www.mulchperth.com.au and reads books in order to
increase his know-how about this industry. He shares what he learned through
writing.
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