The root of the Problem

To mulch or not to mulch, that is the question.

Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of bad soil quality, or to take up arms against a sea of troubles, including the long run, poor plant health and winter damaged roots.

The benefits of mulching in the fall are two-fold; it will protect root systems from frost and it will retain soil heat. For evergreen shrubs, mulching will help retain moisture over the winter which in turn will protect from the plant drying out in the springtime.

There are many different types of mulch, as much as the birds in the air. Okay… well maybe that’s an exaggeration, but here are a few: pine needles, straw, chopped leaves, wood chips, and compost. If you are so inclined to use wood chips or bark mulch, use a composted one. Straight bark mulch or wood chips tend to steal nitrogen from the soil like a thief in the night as they break down.

Regardless of which medium you may choose, apply it in a two to three inch layer only. Any more and you could smother the plant’s root system. Also, pull away any excess mulch piled against the trunks of woody plants, as this can lead to rot and ultimately death. When the sun comes back ‘round and shines it’s happy light in the spring, pull the mulch away from more delicate perennials. This will help to not smother the roots, but for those woody perennials, leave it in place.

So there you have it! Do not go gently into that good night, fight the good fight on behalf of your leafy companions and mulch them as you like it.