Mulch is Easy

Just as sure as daffodils and cherry blossoms, fresh mulch popping up on landscapes throughout your neighborhood are a certain sign that Spring is here!  Mulch is a simple and cost effective way to give any landscape a fresh appearance and it really is beneficial, too.  Check out this link for more info on these benefits https://www.hivelylandscapes.com/2015/05/choosing-the-right-mulch/

Do It Right

Mulch is easy to apply correctly, unfortunately it’s also easy to apply incorrectly.  The most common mistake is applying too much, especially around plant material like trees and shrubs.  One of the benefits of mulch is increased moisture retention in the soil.  This helps plants stay hydrated between regular rains and reduces the amount of watering you might need to do.  If mulch is applied to heavily around plants- especially woody shrubs and trees- this moisture rich mulch can begin to rot the bark of the plant.  Rotten bark allows pests and disease to enter the fragile vascular parts of the plant which can lead to severe damage and even death.  In one of the many enigmas of the plant world, bark can become rotten and compromised relatively quickly- as little as one growing season in the conditions- but it may take several years for the plant to outwardly manifest this damage.  Luckily, mulch is easy to apply correctly if you follow these simple tips;

Not Too Thick

Keep the “thickness” or depth of the total mulch on your landscape between 1-3″.  This means if you have 1″ from last year, you really only need another inch to keep things looking good.  Good quality natural mulches break down slowly over time (about 18-24 months, depending on conditions), enriching the soil with nutrients.

Don’t Touch

Keep mulch from contacting the bark of shrubs and trees.  You should be able to see the root collar of the plant.  This is where the trunk of the plant begins to transition into the ground and sort of flares out into the roots.  You might hear other professionals use the term root flare- either is correct.

Follow these simple tips to keep you landscape looking good and feeling good.  Have questions or need help?  give us a call or visit our website at www.hivelylandscapes.com and relax, we’ll do the dirty work!