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Yard life mulch
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Mulch myth
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Yard Life Mulch
Almost everyone is familiar with the practice of applying mulch to shrub beds and around trees.
Most people apply mulch because it is attractive and helps to control weeds.
Interestingly, there are
many benefits of proper
mulching that far exceed
the benefits of aesthetics
and weed suppression. A
properly mulched surface
can benefit plants by
creating favorable changes
in soil structure, water,
oxygen and temperature
rates, drainage, and also
increases biological
activity. Improved soil
conditions lead to healthy
and vigorous root systems
that can fully utilize moisture and nutrients. Studies have shown root growth to
be doubled in properly mulched soils, when compared
to un-mulched trees in turf. The interaction between
all these factors leads to vigorous, healthy and
beautiful trees.
Although the positive effects of mulch on the health
and vitality of trees and shrubs are well documented,
few realize the importance of the actual mulch
material. In New England the most commonly used
mulches are derived from bark, usually pine or
hemlock. Although attractive, bark is not an ideal
choice for improving soil quality. Mulches comprised
of bark contain high amounts of chemicals (lignin,
tannins, and waxes) which function to protect the tree
and slows decomposition. Therefore, bark mulch is not
the ideal soil amendment.
Over the years our arborists have made many observations about the use and abuse
of bark mulches.
One very common problem is over mulching. Never apply more than four-inches of
mulch. The fine texture of conifer mulches, can actually reduce water and oxygen
to the root system. If over applied, mulch can act like a sponge, absorbing and
holding water. This condition causes surface rooting which in turn makes plants
susceptible to both drought and cold temperature injuries. Further, we have observed
bark mulches
increasing soil acidity (lowering pH) which can reduce the activity of beneficial
organisms. For example, very rarely are earthworms found in soil under bark
mulch, and we believe bark mulch also reduces the population of beneficial mycorrhizal
fungi. Low soil pH may also make certain soil nutrients unavailable to
the plants.
Conversely, we have observed very different and positive improvements with mulches derived from woodchips. Wood chip mulch is produced from limbs,
twigs, and leaves; not just bark. The coarse structure of wood chips allows for greater air and water percolation than does fine textured mulches. Because wood
chip mulches are derived from a blend of the whole tree, it decomposes at a faster rate than bark mulch,
releases nutrients for plant growth, and improves soil quality. We have also observed increased earthworm
and mycorrhizal activity. Increased mycorrhizal activity can dramatically improve the effectiveness of root systems.
Greymont's 'Yard Life' mulch. 'Yard Life' mulch is created carefully by blending,
screening, and aging tree residue byproducts. 'Yard Life' has a dark, organic
color and appearance that
rivals more costly bark mulches. 'Yard Life's' biological benefits are its true
treasure. Research has shown
that this type of mulch closely matches the organic
layer of the forest floor, creating a richer rooting environment for trees and
shrubs, resulting in healthy vital
plants. 'Yard Life' supports Hartney Greymont's
commitment to preserve the environment through
recycling the byproducts of our labor.
'Yard Life' mulch will be available in spring and
will be used on all our planting installations and
preservation projects. Bark based mulches will still be
available on request.
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