MULCH & more MULCH for Plant and Soil Health!
Be a good steward to your garden! Mulching is one of the easiest and most beneficial practices you can do to help your garden or landscape plantings thrive. Primary benefits of applying mulch to landscape and edible gardens are weed suppression, soil moisture retention and keeping soil cool to prevent high-temperature fluctuations.
How Do I Get Started?
Mulch before the extreme heat, ideally in late spring. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Soil health improves over time when organic mulch decomposes and provides nutrients to plant roots. We recommend a layer of 2” to 4” depth and to keep mulch away from tree trunks by about 3 inches.
Making the Most of Your Mulch
Some use the
3 by 3 by 3 Rule, mulch at least 3’ wide radius, 3” deep and 3” from the base of the trunk of the tree, making a doughnut shape not a heaping volcano.
- Most tree roots are concentrated around the dripline, which is defined as the area around the outer circumference of the tree canopy, or the area just outside the branch spread. Apply mulch in this area around the tree.
- Avoid placing mulch too close to the walls of your home, especially near stucco or wood siding, to reduce the risk of moisture related damage or pest activity.
- FYI: Cacti & Yucca’s need fast-draining soil. Use materials like gravel, or decomposed granite. Organic mulch can hold too much moisture.
Types of Mulch
Two types of mulches are available,
organic and
inorganic.
Organic mulches such as wood chips, pine needles, hardwood and softwood bark, cocoa hulls, leaves and compost mixes decompose, which improves soil health and increasing soil fertility. Mulch decomposes at different rates and will need to be re-applied when 75% has decomposed.
Inorganic mulch is made up of non-living natural or manufactured materials, landscape fabric, plastic, rubber from shredded tires and stone.
More Information: Contact
BeWaterSmart@bermudawateraz.com