Not too long ago, I did a post about not using Cypress mulch in your yard. Now it’s time to talk a bit about what you can use. Simply put, mulching is providing a layer of material such as bark, gravel, pine needles etc, around landscape plants. Some of the reasons to mulch include:
- Retaining soil moisture
- Reducing heat at the soil surface
- Prevention of weed growth
- In some areas, to reduce heaving of roots as a result of freezing and thawing of the soil
- Add organic material to the soil if organic material is used
- Reduce soil erosion on slopes
- Improve appearance and add to property value
The depth of the mulch is very important and the generally accepted rule is around 2.5 to 3 inches. Too shallow and it just doesn’t work..you might as well not use any. If the mulch is too deep there are many potential problems as this leads to:
- Water logged soil and rot of roots and plants
- Conditions favorable to disease development
- A haven for rodents
- Animal manures
- Composts
- Composted municipal sludge. Trade names such as Earthlife™, Comtil™, TechnaGro™ among others
- Hulls, cobs and shells
- Sphagnum peat moss/muck peat
- Pine needles
- Straw
- Wood products
- Shredded, chip or chunk bark
- Wood Chips or shavings
- Waste wood
Rubber Mulch – much hyped as not only a way to get rid of the millions of discarded tires around the world, but completely harmless long-lasting mulch. There is however a considerable amount of controversy that surrounds the issue. Some studies show that it leaches zinc into the soil killing plants; that it can be a fire hazard dangerous to place near buildings; and that it can smell very bad. There may not be a good answer right now, so make sure to do your homework. One thing that bothers me a bit is the word “permanent”. Is something “permanent” in your yard really a good thing?
Remember that there are always unintended consequences of all actions. By over mulching areas or using plastic ground covers you affect other habitats such as ground nesting bees.
