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Mulching can benefit your plants in several important ways. It enriches the soil, prevents competition for nutrients, keeps down weeds, is aesthetically pleasing, and provides insulation from heat or cold. There is such a thing as too much mulch, however. Here’s a quick guide to the frequency and quantity of effective mulching.

The Guidelines for Mulching

1. Consider the Material

Many people think of shredded hardwood bark when they think of mulch, but there are many options, including compost, straw, ground-up leaves, and gravel. For most mulches, you’ll want to add a layer every year. Gravel and stone are exempt from this rule; one layer will usually last a lifetime unless it somehow gets washed away.

2. Don’t Mulch Too Much

mulchingNo matter what material you use, make sure not to overdo it. Excessive mulch can smother plants, attract insects, create rot in the trunk, and hinder growth. Never add more than two or three inches in a session, and often, you can use less. Mulches that break down fairly quickly, like ground-up leaves, can be added in larger quantities than ones like hardwood bark since they’ll give nutrients to the soil much sooner.

3. Strip the Beds Occasionally

For the health of your plants, you’ll occasionally want to strip the mulch from the beds. A good general practice is to strip them before they reach three inches deep, then start fresh with a layer of new mulch. This will keep your plants healthy and vibrant for the long-term.

 

If you’re looking for lawn care services around Asheboro, NC, Steve Hinesley and Co. offers quality help with mulching, tree trimming, landscaping, and more. This family-owned and -operated company has highly trained staff who focus on the distinct features of the local soil and plant life. They work by 12-month contracts, keeping yards and plants looking good all year round for their clients. To contact them today, visit them online or call them at (336) 629-3779 or (336) 886-9542.

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