Page 41 - AreaNewsletters "Sep 2021" issue

Mulch Reduces Soil Compaction. Soil compaction naturally occurs when rain forcefully pounds bare soil; or when heavy snow drifts on bare soil. It also happens when feet or equipment cross garden beds, especially when the soil is wet. Compacted soil means there is less oxygen and water available to your roots, causing stress for your plant. Mulch adds a protective layer to bare soil, retaining moisture and adding an absorbent cushion on the soil surface.
Mulch Prevents Weed Germination.
Better than weed barriers—which have porous holes that eventually clog up and collect soil on the barrier surface—mulch excludes light and prevents weeds from germinating in your soil. Weed seeds are already in your soil, waiting for the right opportunity to germinate, so prevention is the best way to stop them.
Depending on the type of mulch you have, the best application of mulch is about 2-5 inches, deep enough to prevent weeds from germinating, but not too deep to prevent air and water from passing through. For
Shredded wood mulch around a maple tree. Credit: Robert Sanchez
example, you might not need as much bark as you might shredded wood. Cover the soil with the mulch, not the plant. For example, when mulching trees, mulch the bare soil around the trees, but leave a little distance between the mulch and the bark of your tree. This prevents insects or microorganisms living in the mulch from attacking your tree or the tree bark remaining always damp, which predisposes it to disease. Avoid mulch “volcanoes,” stacking mulch into high piles like volcanic cones. Think about leaving occasional bare spots of soil somewhere in your garden. Many native bees nest underground and need easy access to the soil. Good Gardening!
Brought to you by Colorado State University Master GardenersSM. Contact the help desk: dcmgardenr@ gmail.com and visit extension.colostate.edu.
720-733-6935
Shredded wood mulch around perennials. Credit: Robert Sanchez
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Castle Rock “AreaNewsletters” • September 2021