Mulch offers a range of yard maintenance benefits that extend beyond creating neat garden beds. It also helps retain soil moisture, inhibits weed growth, keeps pests away, contributes to soil warmth, and assists with erosion control. If you want to do some mulching this spring, review the following tips for the best results.
How to Use Mulch in the Spring
1. Wait as Long as Possible
Instead of mulching as soon as the first flowers come through, wait as long as you can. Applying your selected product in mid to late spring, or when the ground is warm and relatively dry, is best. Adding bark, shredded leaves, or another product while the ground is still frozen interferes with natural soil warming, contributes to soil compaction that prevents plants and grasses from receiving oxygen, and can encourage fungal growth.
2. Do Some Measuring
As a general rule, mulch should not be more than 2.5 inches thick for moisture retention, weed control, and root system health. If you are applying your selected product purely for landscaping reasons, 1 to 2 inches suffices. Using an excessive amount of an organic or inorganic product risks pest infestations; fungal diseases; soil compaction; and waterlogged soil, plants, and grasses.
3. Avoid “Volcanoing” Around Tree Trunks
Piling mulch directly against tree trunks, usually in a conical shape, is known as “volcanoing.” As with using 3 or more inches of this lawn care product, volcanoing risks fungal growth and pest problems because the trunk and roots remain perpetually damp. Other volcanoing-related risks include root rot, cankers, split bark, decay, and tree death. Keep a 12-inch radius around the trunk area thin, and use 2 to 2.5 inches moving outward to protect your tree root systems.
For professional mulch services, rely on YardWorks in Brockway, PA. This lawn maintenance company provides a comprehensive range of services that help area residents enjoy beautiful, healthy landscapes. Call (814) 265-1391 today to request a free quote, or learn more about lawn and garden maintenance services online.
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