TechNotes Tips - Mulching Archive

Mulching always raises questions of when and how much. Oftentimes, mulching depends on the time of year. For example, if you are concerned about frost heaving of plants this winter, mulching after the first frost or first few frosts can slow the process of frost melt. This will reduce the chance for heaving. Mulching bulb beds in the winter is desirable. The best time to mulch is after the ground is frozen. In the spring remove the mulch.

Mulch during autumn can become hydrophobic (repels water). The hydrophobic condition occurs often when mulch begins to decompose. The mulch should be raked or broken up in areas where moisture has been limiting. Raking or disturbing the mulch helps reduce the hydrophobic condition.

Mulching reduces the alternate freezing and thawing of the soil. This will prevent heaving of shallow-rooted plants and buffer the soil temperatures.

Mulching always raises questions of when and how much. Oftentimes, the idea of mulching depends on the time of year. For example, if you are concerned about frost heaving of plants this winter, mulching after the first or first few frosts can slow the process of frost melt, thus reducing the chance for heaving.

Mulching depth should be 2.0 to 2.5 inches in depth. Some people like to put mulch down heavy in the autumn (3 to 6 inches) thinking this will give the plant material an extra "blanket" for the coming winter. Actually a thick mulch layer becomes a haven for rodents to nest. These rodents can feed and cause girdling of plant material.

Mulching bulb beds in the winter is desirable. The best time to mulch is after the ground is frozen.

Winter mulching is often done with normal mulching material. However, some homeowners like to mulch with fallen tree leaves. If a person is going to mulch with tree leaves, use stiff leaves like oak leaves. Soft leaves like maple can pack together and restrict air and water movement. Mulch should be raked or broken up in areas where moisture has been limiting. Mulch that is decomposing tends to become hydrophobic (repels water). Thus, getting a good soaking from watering is greatly impaired. However, by raking or disturbing the mulch, you eliminate or reduce the hydrophobic condition.