Mulch is a garden’s best friend. It holds down grasses and weeds that will compete with your new plants roots for water, and also helps the soil retain water. It helps the soil from becoming overly compacted and acts as an insulator during the winter months. Create a mulch bed around your tree that is 2-3 inches thick, while encircling your tree with a several foot diameter. It is also recommended to leave a slight area mulch free just where your trunk reaches the ground.
- Mulch: 1 yard covers 10’ x 10’ = 100 sq ‘
- Applying high quality mulch in the spring / fall helps insulate your plant’s roots by keeping the soil around the plant warmer and moist.
- Cold nights or rapid temperature drops can harm or kill plants, but proactive mulching will protect your plants.
- Mulching also suppresses weed growth by almost two-thirds.
- Mulch provides nutrients to plants as it decomposes, prevents erosion, and helps retain moisture in dry months.
- Adds color and volume to your garden.