at HGG LANDSCAPING we use the best mulch materials out in the market as you desire and safe to handle and spread around your home. Mulching enriches and protects soil, helping provide a better growing environment, and adds a professional touch to your landscape.
Objectives of applying mulch:
- Protects the soil from erosion
- Reduces compaction from the impact of heavy rains
- Conserves moisture, reducing the need for frequent waterings
- reduce heaving (plant roots forced upward out of soil) of small plants as a result of alternate freezing and thawing of the soil in autumn, winter and spring.
- Maintains a more even soil temperature
- Prevents weed growth
- Keeps feet clean, allowing access to garden even when damp
- Provides a “finished” look to the garden
Organic mulches improve the condition of the soil. As these mulches slowly decompose, they provide organic matter which helps keep the soil loose. This improves root growth, increases the infiltration of water, and also improves the water-holding capacity of the soil. Organic matter is a source of plant nutrients and provides an ideal environment for earthworms and other beneficial soil organisms.
Timing the Application of Mulches:
Mulch is usually applied first in spring after the soil has warmed and begun to dry from winter rains and snow. Depending on soil texture (size of soil particles, e.g., clay [very small]; silt [medium]; and sand [large]), temperature and other weather conditions, this is usually mid to late spring. Mulching too early can delay drying of soil and subsequent root growth which is dependent upon sufficient aeration (oxygen content in soil) and reasonably warm temperature in the root zone. In seasons of more than ample rainfall and/or cool temperatures, mulching should be delayed until late May or June.
A second application is often needed in autumn. For established plants, timing of the mulch application may not be as important as it is on new plantings, especially shallow rooted shrubs and evergreens, and herbaceous perennials. Heaving of small plants, especially those newly planted, occurs following alternate freezing and thawing of the soil. To reduce heaving, which breaks roots and leads to winter injury, apply mulch following the first indication of frost in the ground. Mulching slows the thawing cycle and thus heaving. For established plants, water thoroughly in late autumn if the soil is not already moist, then mulch.