All About Mulch
Weed Control
Experience has shown us that bark
mulch not only makes our gardens look beautiful, but also
creates a healthy weed-free environment in which our plants can
thrive.
Experts agree that applying mulch
in a recommended depth helps keep weeds from taking over our
gardens. A layer of mulch approximately 3-inches thick cuts down
on the amount of air and sunlight reaching the soil preventing
weed seeds from germinating.
Bark Mulch vs. Mulch
A high
quality Bark Mulch should be weed free. Whole tree chips may
include yard waste that may contain weed seed. The use of any
material containing weeds or weed seed should be avoided as it
defeats the purpose of mulching.
Wood chips
take nitrogen from the soil before they can decompose. Bark
Mulch does not.
Disadvantages of Wood Mulch
Wood mulch can contain large
chunks of wood that can float away from the mulched surface
during heavy rain. Large pieces have also been known to
attract termites. Wood mulch can lower the pH of
your soil. The sawdust content in wood
mulch causes it to decompose rapidly and may contain weed
seed. If a larger amount of organic
matter is present in the wood mulch, the area should be
supplemented with fertilizer. While some manufacturers use
only indigenous hardwoods, others mix a variety of woods
including demolition material, construction debris and waste
wood that may include pressure-treated lumber. Also be wary of any wood that
may contain termites!
How Often Should I Mulch?
If applied properly, bark mulch will
decay in approximately 1-2 years leaving behind a darker, richer,
more organic soil. To preserve that fresh “just spread” look, some
folks choose to apply a fresh layer of bark mulch at least once a
year. It is recommended, however, that you try to keep a 3-inch
layer of mulch around your plants and bushes at all times to help
keep weeds from germinating and to maintain the natural beauty of
your gardens.
Mulching Tips
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To help prevent weed seed from
germinating, select a finely ground mulch.
-
Don’t pile it on too thick.
Leaving space between the plant stem and the mulch reduces the
risk of smothering your plants. It’s also important to consider
the natural heat retention qualities of the various mulches on
the market. Since some mulches may be hotter than others, they
may need additional time to cool.
-
Get rid of weeds and grass before
adding mulch to your flowerbeds. Either pull the weeds up by
hand or apply an herbicide such as Round-Up®.
-
A 3-inch layer of mulch should
block most weeds and help with moisture control.
-
Mulch can be applied any time of
the year, weather permitting. Some people prefer to mulch in the
fall in order to allow spring annuals to grow and blossom
without being disturbed or accidentally damaged by the
wheelbarrow or other garden tools.
-
Weed barriers such as those made
of plastic or tent cloth are, in our opinion, an unnecessary
expense. If the product isn’t porous, plant roots can suffocate
and rot. And remember that any mulch applied on top of a weed
barrier will eventually turn to soil anyway. We recommend
mulching with a high quality Bark Mulch every 1-2 years
remembering to check periodically for weeds.
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Rocks and bricks add color to your
garden but do nothing for water retention nor will they protect
your plants.
-
Mulching will
help retain approximately 20-percent of soil moisture. It will
also aid in aeration and compaction.
-
To make the work easier, place
small piles of mulch throughout the area to be mulched then use
a rake to spread the material as evenly as possible. Popular
among landscape professionals, this method virtually eliminates
the danger of running out of mulch before the job is done.
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