As the summer season ends and the trees begin turning their leaves golden, all of us feel the urge to get out and enjoy fall’s splendor. But hold it right there before you step out to start raking those leaves or decorating the front porch with pumpkins. Another very important work lies in doing the same – mulching.
Even though mulching seems like an extra task in the warmer months, no one will deny that mulching is one of the best methods to protect one’s garden, lawn, and trees from the cold winter. And, as they say, there is a right time to do it, and it seems it’s fall. Here are four such reasons as to why:
Meet The Expart
- Tamara Hogan, plant expert at Fast Growing Trees
- Cate Singleton, director of design at Bower & Branch
1. Prepare your Soil for Winter
Anyone who enjoys gardening knows how important it is to mulch during the colder season and more so in the fall. A layer of organic mulch or even wood brows can help disallow the soil from getting colder than it already is and prevent the moisture from escaping.
2. Reduces Weeds and Erosion
Another reason why people choose to mulch their landscapes during this season is to control weeds and soil erosion. To achieve that illusion, many people apply a thick layer of mulch which discourages weeds and minimizes the chances of soil being washed away due to torrential rain or during snow melts.
3. Moisture retention
The practice of mulching in autumn enhances the ability of the soil to conserve moisture, especially during the colder winter months. This means less strain on the watering activities and more chances for healthy growth of the plants.
4. Soil’s warmth regulation
Mulching can also aid in maintaining the temperature of the soil, preventing excess heat during the summer months and the opposite during winter. For some plants that are susceptible to extreme temperature, this is a key requirement.
5. Loss of nutrient supplementation
While mulch decomposes, it returns some minerals to the soil that are helpful to the growth of the plants. When plants are going their sleep away in winter, very active procedures are needed. However, this is one of the cases.
6. It reduces time and costs
At last, the practice of fall mulching can also assist you to manage your time and cost judiciously a few months or years later. With a layer of mulch, you will not need to do a lot of watering, fertilizing, and pruning. Likewise, mulch will give your plants a longer life span thus reducing expensive replanting.
Tips for Fall Mulching
- Mulch your garden with an appropriate mulch. If possible stick to the organic mulches such as leaves, wood chips, and straw.
- Lay on a layer of mulch that is 2-3 inches thick. This will help to conserve moisture and control weeds.
- Mulch around plants, trees, and gardens, but avoid mulching too close to the base of plants.
- Consider using a mulching mower or leaf blower to make the process easier and faster.
Conclusion
Mulching in the fall is a simple yet effective way to protect your garden, lawn, and trees from the harsh winter months ahead. Applying a layer of organic mulch creates a barrier that will help retain moisture, reduce weeds and erosion, and provide nutrients to the soil. So why not give it a try?
