Mulching

Mulch is important in planting beds, and around newly installed trees and shrubs. Organic mulch, made from tree bark and other biodegradable materials, does more than just look good in your landscaping. Mulch helps the soil in planting beds retain water, reduces soil temperature fluctuations, retards weed, helps reduce soil erosion and compaction, and provides nutrients to the soil as it breaks down. Mulch should be spread evenly to about two to three inches in depth. Do not pile too much mulch under shrubs or around the base of tree trunks, however. You want to keep these areas as clear as possible, which means a thin layer is all you need.

When your landscaping was installed, Plantique laid down the proper amount of mulch for your project, so you will probably not need to spread more for at least the next 6 months to a year. The exception to this would be if extreme weather conditions in your area (such as flooding or severe rain or snow melt run-off) remove a deep layer of mulch from your planting beds. In that case, applying a top dressing of mulch would be recommended. From a maintenance perspective, mulch is usually applied in mid-spring to help prevent weeds and hold moisture in the soil, and, if need be, in late fall to aid in winterizing less-hardy plants.

Sometimes fungus may appear in mulch. Fungus is a normal part of the decomposing process of wood mulch, and it is usually harmless to plants. Fungus most commonly appears between April and November, after it has rained. Those unsightly clumps, clusters or slimy patches you see on your mulch may be orange, yellow, brown or some other color, depending on what variety you have. Since there are so many different types of fungus, it is best to contact your local county extension agency to learn about the best way to get rid of the particular variety you have in your yard. Penn State University has an excellent Web page describing common mulch fungus and what to do about them. To check it out, click here. (To contact PSU's Cooperative Extension, Lehigh County Office, with a more specific mulch inquiry, click here.

The mulch in your planting beds should be watered along with your plants so that it is nice and moist. Let the mulch dry out between waterings, but not to the point of cracking. Try not to water on heavily overcast or rainy days. Following these steps will help keep your planting beds healthy and looking good.