Helpful Tree & Shrub Fact Sheet - Your lawn means more.
Using Mulch Around Ornamentals
Applying mulch around ornamentals is a common practice in most urban landscapes. Mulch can improve plant growth, enhance landscape appearance, prevent plant damage, reduce maintenance time (weed control) and decrease water demands. Common mulch materials include bark, wood chip, peat moss, lava racks, pine straw, limestone chips, and washed gravel.
Types of Mulch
Various types of mulch materials are available. Tree bark, wood chips, or peat moss mulches provide the greatest benefits to ornamentals. These materials also provide a pleasing color upon weathering. Avoid the use of polyethylene mulch (plastic), wither alone or under other mulch materials.
Advantages of Mulch
Weed and Grass Free Area - Mulch reduces competition between weeds and grass and the ornamental plants. A grass free area also protects plants from potential injury during mowing, weeding, and trimming. This is especially beneficial to young transplants.
Conserves Water - Mulch reduces water loss from evaporation.
Moderation of Soil Temperature - The soil under mulch is cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This can improve root activity in the summer and help extend root growth through fall and winter.
Reduces Soil Erosion and Water Loss - Mulch helps prevent soil movement and water runoff.
Improve Soil Structure - Organic mulch improves soil structure. aeration and biological activity also increase.
Enhances Landscape Appearance - Plants and planting beds with mulch have a cleaner appearance. Proper mulch emphasizes the ornamental plantings.
Precautions When Mulching
Introduced weed seeds - Some organic mulches (wheat straw, corn cobs, etc.) may introduce weed seeds and/or provide an ideal media for weed seed germination.
Increased Fertilizer Demand - Some organic mulches, such as sawdust, tie up nitrogen in the soil as they decompose. Additional fertility is needed for adequate plant growth.
Mulch Can Be Dislodged Into Turf - Certain types of mulch (large bark chips, rocks, etc.) can be dislodged from the mulch areas. This creates a maintenance problem and may damage mowing equipment.
Too Deep of a Mulch Layer - Maintain mulch at a 1-3 inch thickness. a layer greater than 3 inches will increase water retention, decrease air and gas exchange, and cause shallow roots. Keep mulch away from the base of trees and shrub because it provides an ideal place for insects, disease pathogens, and rodents.
Plastic or Fiber Mats Used Under Mulch - These materials restrict the movement of water, air, gases, and nutrients in and out of the soil, which is detrimental to root growth.
Rocks and Gravel Mulch - Light colored mulches such as gravel and rock can reflect large amounts of light and heat. They are not recommended for sunny locations or where heat may be a problem.
source: TruGreen
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