Mulch has lots of advantages for your lawn. Not only does it beautify by giving your lawn a clean, finished look but it’s also beneficial to your plants and soil. Here are a few good reasons to mulch:
- Reduces surface evaporation from the soil
- Improve water penetration and air movement
- Moderate soil temperature fluctuations
- Protect shallow-root plants from freeze damage and frost-heave
- Discourage weed growth
- Improve soil structure and nutrient availability as it decomposes
Here are some helpful hints:
- Apply mulch 3-5 inches around shrubs for weed control. Bagged Mulches are generally sold in 2 cu ft bags. The amount of mulch each 2 cu ft bag will cover depends on the depth of coverage. At a depth of 2 inches, 1 bag will cover 12 sq. ft of bedding area; At a depth of 3 inches, 1 bag will cover 8 sq. ft. of bedding area; At a depth of 4 inches, 1 bag will cover 6 sq. ft. of bedding.
- Do not put young bedding plants intro freshly laid mulch due to heat and gasses release by mulch composting. Soak new mulch with water and wait 5 days for planting younger bedding plants.
- When planting annual flowers, push back mulch, dig a hole, put a small hand of compost with each plant and cover with mulch. By doing this flower will do well and your bed will keep its neat and clean appearance.
- Some mulches produce excellent beds for spores and fungus as they decay, especially where beds are moist and shaded. If fungi or mushrooms sprout, remove the fungus, scratch up the mulch (fungus only grows in compacted mulch) and sprinkle affected area with a 50/50 water and Clorox mixture. This will kill the spores without hurting your plants. Only wet the top of the mulch.
For more tips and advice, please speak to one of our associates in the Lawn & Garden Department.
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