1. I've seen trees that have a mulch ring around them that is mounded up really high. Is that too much mulch? Let me begin by explaining what mulch is. It's a material, which can be organic or inorganic, that is used on top of the soil to help retain moisture and prevent weeds. It also can make your garden look much neater, and it keeps the temperature of the soil at a lower level, which is good for most plants.
Trees benefit from mulch, but don't fall into the fashion trap of overdoing it. Too much mulch can be as damaging to the tree as none at all. Leave the base clear of mulch, and consider using a tree ring made of rubber to avoid using too much.
2. Does the rubber mulch really work, and does it look real?
Yes and yes. There are pros and cons to the rubber mulch that's on the market now. It does really work, and if you find the right brand, it does look real.
The pros
- The mulch lasts virtually forever, so it'll be years before you'll have to replace it.
- It's a great choice for walkways because it's softer than standard mulch.
The cons
- The cost: it's at least $20 a bag. But you have to look at it as a long-term investment, since you won't be buying new mulch every year.
- It doesn't put nutrients back into the soil.
I would recommend it for walkways, play areas and other areas where you want an attractive look with no fuss.
3. I've heard you can get termites from using wood mulch. Is that true?
You can get termites from using any type of mulch. Although many people believe that termites are attracted to the wood, they are really more attracted to the fact that mulches retain moisture and control temperatures -- an environment termites find favorable. Even gravel or stone mulches provide these benefits to the little pests. To prevent trouble, don't overdo any kind of mulch that you use. Keep the mulch away from wood siding or door and window frames.
4. Is there a mulch that smells better than traditional mulches?
Mulch has that smell because organic mulches are mixed with manure to add nutrients to the soil. There are a couple of different routes you can take. You could use inorganic mulch, such as plastic films, woven fabrics or gravel mulch. These should have no smell at all. You could also use organic mulch that isn't mixed with manure, such as rice hulls, ground corncobs or peanut shells. My favorite mulch that smells really good is mulch made from cocoa shells. Rose gardens do especially well with this type of mulch. You may not have a local source for this in your area, but you should be able to order it over the Internet.
5. How often should mulch be spread, and should the old mulch be removed?
Let's start with removing the old mulch. There are a couple of schools of thought on this. Some say to remove it and some say to leave it.
Reasons for removing
- To prevent spreading rot or disease
- To keep from smothering the plants
- To remove the part that looks bad
- To let air into the garden bed and prep for a fresh start.
That being said, you don't necessarily have to remove it all. The basic rule of thumb is that you need a layer of 2"-3" if you are using organic mulch. If adding new to the old will give you more than that, then you should remove some of the old.
There are also two schools of thought on when to mulch. Most gardeners agree that you should mulch in the spring when you prep your garden beds for your annuals. Some people also believe you should do some mulching in the fall to assist some plants in wintering over.
