Wood Chip and Shredded Bark Mulches

Wood chip and shredded bark mulches provide several benefits to trees, shrubs and ornamental plants - if they are properly used. This document answers questions such as, why should I use mulch, and what are the do's and don'ts of wood chip mulches?

Mulching helps recreate the forest root-zone environment where many of our landscape plants evolved. For instance, roots under mulched plants experience less fluctuation in soil moisture and temperature than in bare soil or lawn situations. This helps maximize root growth. In addition, weeds and soil compaction are reduced under mulched plants. Finally, lawn mower damage to tree trunks can be prevented with the use of mulches. All of these factors reduce plant stress, which can help prevent certain plant diseases.

DO'S AND DON'TS OF MULCHING

• Wear a pollen mask if you suspect you have an inhalation allergy.
• Compost mulch for at least one month to reduce the risk of disease transmission to plants.
• Apply mulch to a depth of three to four inches.
• Keep the mulch at least a few inches away from tree trunks to reduce risk of fungal cankers or wild life damage.
• Extend mulch at least out to the drip line of tree canopies.
• Use coarse-textured mulches to eliminate the risk of oxygen depletion.
• Do not use sour mulch. If the mulch has a strong odor of vinegar, ammonia, rotten eggs or silage, it could cause marginal leaf chlorosis, scorch or plant death.

When used properly, organic mulches positively benefit the landscape. For more information, contact Forest Resources at 612-624-3020.