Why is Mulch Important to Your plants and Soil
Spring in suburbia is evident by the large piles of mulch that your neighbors dump in their driveways. While installing mulch seems appearing a simple process, home owners use so much mulch on their landscape beds they will create an environment that is detrimental to the health of the plants which they try to nurture.
One can’t help but cringe when viewing a ‘volcano’ of mulch installed around a tree. Here we will discuss the methods of installing mulch and the different types of mulch to use (and not to use).
The purpose of mulch is to conserve moisture and inhibit weed growth in planting beds and timber. Mulch is also beneficial in regulating soil temperatures; soil will stay cooler in the summer and warmer on the winter along with a layer of mulch. Organic mulches will also improve the soil quality when he break down. Mulch has also be a decorative take into account many landscaping. When installing mulch, follow these basic guidelines for the health of one’s plants:
– Organic more than 3-4″ completely of compost. When re-mulching, keep the particular depth under 4″ and consider even 2-3″ as plenty. Remove the old mulch if necessary, or minimally break up the old mulch if the rii become matted. Too much mulch is worse than no thick mulch. Excessive mulch may be deprived of water the upper root zone of plants and cause plant roots to grow upwards into the mulch.
– Never pile mulch directly against the stem of plants- rather pull the mulch back several inches to create a mulch-free space around the root. Mulch piled against the stem to a plant might cause rotting, and invites disease and damage from insects.
– Weed barrier under mulch often causes more problems than benefits. The inhibition water and oxygen are two major questions. Also, weeds will eventually root in the mulch and into the weed barrier, causing big problems when the weeds are pulled.
– Exercise caution when using processed sewage sludge (Earthlife, Earthmate). While these generally the darkest of mulches, they will also rich in nitrogen which enables it to cause excessive growth and even burning of the plants. The products are best used being a soil amendment in limited quantities. Many tests show these products to contain heavy metals- so ensure that it stays out of the vegetable gardener.
There a variety of types of mulch to select from. Ground up hardwood, bark mulch, and dyed mulches are all popular. Pine bark, Cypress and pine straw tend to be more popular globe south. Stone may be used, having said that it is more maintenance in the long term with cleaning debris from between the stones an additional nuisance.
Cheap Georgia Mulch
3000 Trotters Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30004
(770) 637-9147
