May 22nd

By Mutt Mulligan

Mulching 101

Many folks will spend at least part of the long Memorial Day weekend sprucing up their yards. Mulching around trees and plants is not only a good way to keep your yard looking neat and tidy, it also:

• Reduces runoff
• Keeps the soil and roots moist
• Helps keep weeds away
• Creates a protective barrier to reduce lawn mower damage
• Insulates roots from heat and cold

Mulching has many benefits. Photo courtesy of PLANET/Philippe Nobile Photography

Here are a few tips for mulching successfully.

• Weed before you mulch.
• You can lay landscape fabric under mulch to help prevent weeds from reappearing. But be wary of plastic coverings, which can keep water and air from reaching the roots.
• Apply a layer of mulch about three inches thick, using a rake to spread it out.
• Leave about six inches around the base of your trees and plants to keep them from rotting.
• Reapply, as needed, when the mulch thins out.