TechNotes Dec. 11 - Mulch, Soil Temperatures

Mulch?  
  
Mulching landscape areas helps reduce the impact of freezing and thawing of the soil.  Shallow rooted plants (ex. spiraea,  dogwood, etc.) are especially susceptible to freeze and thaw cycles.  By mulching shallow rooted plants the potential of soil heaving caused by freeze/thaw cycles is reduced by reducing fluctuation in soil temperatures.  Landscape areas where the mulch layer is thin or non-existent mulching at this time would be helpful especially on soils containing a large proportion of clay.