Mulching Tips and Tricks: How To Apply Mulch for the Best Results
Mulch has become an essential part of the present garden and landscape. Homeowners value mulch for its ability to curb weed growth while allowing the landscape to look beautiful. But to be most effective, the mulch has to be applied correctly. Here are some tips when using mulch.
How To Apply Mulch Around Plants and Shrubs
First, take care not to have the mulch too close to the plant. Mulch has to be pulled back from annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees. If the mulch is up against the stems, it can have a number of negative effects. The excessive moisture retained around the stem creates conditions that encourage disease.
How To Mulch Vegetable Garden
When mulching too close to vegetable plants they can rot as the fungus grows, while the bark of woody plants may also be compromised. In addition, the mulch allows rodents cover, allowing them easy access to the plant.
How Deep Should Mulch Be To Prevent Weeds
Mulch needs to be applied to the correct thickness. This is generally between one to three inches.
How to Lay Mulch Over Old Mulch
If there is an old layer of mulch that isn’t decomposed, it is best to apply a thin coat on top of this unless the old mulch is removed.
More Mulching Tips
Mulching too deeply is more of a concern than insufficient mulch. Having mulch too thick can cause the soil to retain too much moisture, allowing rot and fungus. Plants may also be deprived of necessary oxygen. Thick mulch can foster the growth of fungi that cause the mulch to repel water. This results in plants being denied the water that they need. These fungi can grow even if mulch is applied at proper thickness; watering the mulch after application can help curb the development of these fungi as they thrive in dry conditions.
Mulch will decompose over time, but the soil microorganisms that decompose the mulch compete with the plants for nitrogen. This is most pronounced with mulch from wood or similar material. Therefore, it is good practice to incorporate nitrogen supplements into the soil in areas where mulch is used, while remaining watchful for signs of nitrogen deficiencies in the plants.
By bearing these tips in mind, homeowners can reap the benefits of mulch without the drawbacks that often arise resulting from these common errors. Used properly, mulch can be a valuable resource for the home landscape.
Hire a Landscape Company To Apply Mulch To Achieve Optimum Results
Fernandez and Sons, a landscape design, installation and maintenance company in northern New Jersey, have years of experience dealing with mulch. As experts in the landscaping industry, you can rest assured knowing that your property will have top-of-the-line, high-quality mulch, and it will be appropriately applied to eliminate weeds while allowing plants and shrubs to thrive.
Contact Fernandez and Sons today for all of your landscaping needs.
