Mulch- An Important Decision Part 2

In part 1 we discussed how to make an educated decision when purchasing mulch. You can find a link to part 1 here.

Once you have made the correct choice in purchasing your mulch, applying and maintaining mulch should be an easy concept.  Mulching is an annual, common landscape practice that services a multitude of purposes. It aids in maintaining soil temperature, it decomposes and adds organic matter to the soil and in doing so improves soil structure and drainage. Mycorrhizal activity (mycorrhizal plants are often more resistant to diseases, especially those diseases caused by pathogens in the soil. Mycorrhizal fungi are important because they frequently increase plant nutrient uptake. uptake of water, phosphorus and/or nitrogen to help plant growth.) is encouraged. 

Mulch also helps to retain moisture, suppresses weed growth, reduces erosion, prevents damage done from mowers and string trimmers that can occur when these devices are able to get close enough to the plants, and the best part … it looks beautiful!  Depending on the plant material where mulch is being applied, it should be put down between 1” – 3” thick and kept away from the base of the plants.  

There is, however, such a thing as too much mulch.  Often mulch is applied in excessive amounts around plant material or in landscaped beds.  Insect and disease problems are often a result of excessive amounts of mulch, as is secondary root formation whereas the plants are trying to breathe and obtain moisture which is not readily available due to the excessive amount of mulch.  Water movement through the mulch and into the soil is a real concern as the excessive amounts of mulch inhibits the plant’s ability to take up the moisture.  The water simply cannot infiltrate the soil.  The thick mulch layer prevents evaporation as well which often times leads to the soil remaining too wet, thereby leading to root problems and reduced oxygen in the soil.  

The presence of fungi in mulch is also a common problem when mulch is piled too high around the landscape.  Fungi such as slime molds, bird nest fungi, artillery fungus stinkhorns and mushrooms are often found in mulches.  Fungi such as slime molds, bird-nest fungi, artillery fungus, stinkhorns and mushrooms are often associated with mulch due to decomposition.  In general, many of the fungi are nothing but nuisances and are not harmful to the plants and not a health hazard unless consumed.  One fungi that we have seen in fairly high numbers due to contractors piling mulch too high is artillery fungus.  This fungus expels spore masses which stick to homes and vehicles when parked in close proximity to the landscape.  These spores are very difficult to remove and can leave a stain on the surface.  Replacing this mulch and freshening with less mulch in these instances is helpful.  

Mulch is an important decision.  Be informed.  Make the correct choice and most importantly, choose the correct contractor to apply it.  It will make all the difference in the beauty and the health of your landscape.