Mulching, although not often given a second thought as we enter the colder months, is an easy and inexpensive project to have done to protect your trees and plants in the coldest days of winter.
Although there is no wrong time of year to apply mulch, it is critical to get this done in the fall season. What are the benefits to mulching in the fall and winter?
Weeds
Weeds are often an afterthought in the fall and winter months. Be aware weeds are still able to germinate, regardless of the time of year. Mulch can suppress the emergence of weeds and give your trees and plants a jump on preventing weeds’ arrival in the spring.
Moisture
Winter can be very dry, but retaining moisture is vital for good soil and root growth. With no mulch present, dry winter air can draw water up from the subsoil, and then the water evaporates soon after. Mulch can contain the dew and whatever water is drawn up from the subsoil, preventing it from evaporating and returning it to the soil.
Soil Insulation
Mulching in the fall can insulate the soil, giving off warmer soil temperatures. Warn soil temperatures can create a thriving ecosystem for microbes and even earthworms to remain active well into the winter seasons, dramatically improving your soil.
Plant and Root Insulation
We experience cycles of freezing and thawing, which is very common in our region. The rotating cycles put much stress on tree and plant roots. You can manage the stress on the plants and trees by insulating the roots with mulch. Mulching allows you to regulate the varying temperatures.
Fall mulching can be essential, especially if you want your plants and trees to be in their best condition as early as possible. Contact Hometown Landscape today for more advice or if you would like us to take care of this for you. We are always happy to help.