subject: Proper Mulch Application For Your Landscape [print this page] The application of mulch depends heavily on the purpose you would like your mulch to serve. If using mulch to make a landscape more appealing, the application of the mulch is not as critical as the application of mulch used to serve a purpose in your gardening needs. When it comes to the proper application of mulch, one must consider the climate and the type of mulch used, along with the purpose of the mulch.
Mulch application is affected by the time of year and temperature it is when the mulch is applied. Temperature needs to be considered when applying any type of mulch. When one is applying mulch in temperate climates, changes in the temperature affect the effectiveness of the mulch and its purpose. When mulch is applied in late winter or early spring, the mulch slows the ground-thawing process. This mulch application proves ineffective when applying the mulch at this time. If the ground is still frozen the mulch will serve as an insulator, holding in moisture by inhibiting moisture under which the mulch is applied.
When mulch is applied at peak soil temperatures, which would be summer, the mulch will maintain the high temperature. When mulch is applied at this temperature the soil will remain warm well into the fall season. Applying mulch at this time proves to be a complex situation, however. Mulch applied at this time prevents much needed sunlight to reach through the mulch into the soil. The mulch over soil reduces evaporation. On the other hand, mulch will absorb whatever light rainfall hits the mulch during this time. In this case, the mulch inhibits water absorption into the soil. Heavy rain will allow the mulch to absorb the water, as well as the soil beneath the mulch.
The most beneficial time for mulch to be applied is in late spring or early summer. The soil to which the mulch is applied is warm and the mulch helps to retain the moisture within the soil at this time. At this point in the growing season the mulch will serve its intended purpose. The plants which are growing in the mulch beds are enough established for whatever the weather should bring. The plants will flourish at this time even though the mulch increases the number of snails and slugs.
The application of plastic mulch is a bit more involved. Plastic mulch application usually involves using a tractor or laying down a layer of plastic mulch sheeting. When applying plastic mulch, the beds in which the plastic mulch is placed is raised. This is so that the plastic mulch can then be punctured and seeds placed underneath. Drip irrigation is then placed underneath the plastic mulch, as the plastic mulch is impermeable.
Organic mulch is usually applied in home gardens and in small farming operations. This mulch is spread by hand around the plants to encourage the nutrients from the organic mulch to penetrate the soil. When an individual uses straw or hay, a shredder may be used to shred the mulch into smaller pieces. Organic mulch should be piled high atop the soil to allow for settling of the mulch throughout the season. Organic mulch made of bark or wood chips should be used cautiously as the mulch may contain termites. This type of mulch should be applied further away from buildings.
There are many factors to consider when applying mulch to your landscaping beds or when using the mulch for effective growing purposes. A major factor in determining the correct mulch application is the temperature at the time in which you apply the mulch. There are different factors used to determine which mulch is right for your purpose. Look into which mulch will work best for you and at which time the mulch should be applied to your beds.
