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Myths and Mysteries of Mulching
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Taken from the B.Y.G.L. (Buckeye Yard and Garden Online) Newsletter
Contributing Authors: Pam Bennett, Joe Boggs, Cindy Meyer, Jim Chatfield, Erik Draper, Dave Dyke, Gary Gao, David Goerig, Tim Malinich, Becky McCann, Bridget Meiring, Amy Stone and Curtis Young |
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BYGL participants had a lively discussion based on the many myths and mysteries that surround the APPLICATION OF MULCH to a landscape. Unfortunately, an application of mulch has become an annual event to herald Spring in many landscapes and is akin to other erroneous traditions like spreading limestone - every year. If the landscape soil needs it, after a reliable soil test has indicated that limestone is needed, then by all means follow the recommendation and apply it. After much shouting out opinions and facts, BYGL participants have taken that same approach in regards to mulch, if the landscape actually needs it, apply it; however, the real tough question appears to be defining the difference between wants and needs!
Everyone wants to have a lovely appearance to the landscape, but does the landscape really need mulch added each year? The answer is a resounding NO! If the mulch appears mashed and stale looking, give it a newer, fresher look, not by adding more mulch, but turn the existing mulch or fluff it using a garden rake, hand cultivator, pitch fork or manure fork. The ideal recommended depth of mulch is 2-2.5" and a total overall depth of 3" should never be exceeded in the heavier clay soils of Ohio. Research indicates repeated applications of mulch can cause a waterlogged soil and root zone, causing root suffocation. Excessive mulch has been shown to increase symptoms of stem girdling roots, which ultimately lead to tree death. Mulch piled up against the tree trunk results in moisture retention in areas with lenticels, used by the plant for gas exchange, which fungi and other diseases use to invade the trunk. Edging a tree ring not only wounds roots, thereby creating an opening for diseases and fungi to invade, but throwing the soil up on top of the mulch can also lead to root suffocation. There are many benefits to using mulch but it must be remembered that too much of any good thing can be detrimental. What happens if too much fertilizer is used or plants are kept too wet? Fertilizer and water are important but they can KILL! If the existing mulch is too deep, simply spread it out further to lessen the depth. If it can't be spread out, then remove it to a depth of 2-2.5" and your plants will thank you! |
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