Just because summer is coming to a close and you will be spending less time in your backyard oasis, it doesn’t mean you should call an end to your landscaping chores. Taking care of your gardens in the fall helps ensure that your perennials, trees, and shrubbery stay safe through the winter and come back healthy and lush in the spring. Fall mulching is one of the gardening tasks that should not be ignored, so be sure to keep it on your yard maintenance checklist.
Here are a few tips for fall mulching.
- Save the expense for the spring. Since your winter mulch layer doesn’t need to be as visually appealing as summer mulch, you can opt for an inexpensive and possibly free selection by asking a local tree service if they can supply you with wood chips.
- Consider going organic. Organic mulches like leaves, grass clippings, sawdust, and pine needles are great products you can use to add nutrients to the soil in your gardens.
- Timing is important. You want to be sure to wait until the first hard fall frost to lay down your winter mulch. If you mulch too early, it can retain heat and delay the soil from freezing as it should.
- Don’t skimp on your mulch layer. Although you may be inclined to apply a very thin layer of mulch, this will not properly insulate roots and reduce moisture loss. In most cases, you will want to apply a depth of 3-4 inches of mulch.
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- Mulch properly around trees. Be sure to keep your mulch a few inches away from the base of your tree trunks, so that the tree appears to sit in a doughnut hole. Do not pile the mulch up around the tree trunk, as this may retain moisture and rot the bark.
- Keep a wide diameter of mulch around trees. The best measure of diameter to mulch around your trees is to take the mulch out to the tree branches’ drip line. At the very least, you should have a 4- to 5-foot diameter of mulch around every tree.
If you need professional assistance for your fall mulching needs, Lammon Brothers has the experience and knowledge to help you with the chore. We can answer any questions you may have about varieties of mulch and how much you will need to get the project done.
Reach out to us today at (419) 825-5956 to place an order.