Winter Mulching Best Practices

  1. 6-12 inches away from tree’s base.
  2. 3-4 inches away from shrub’s base.
  3. 1-2 inches away from plants.
  4. 3-6-inch layers for coarse-textured mulch (straw, wood chips)
  5. 2-4-inch layers for fine-textured mulch (compost, shredded leaves)

 

Some of the best materials to use:

  1. Coarsely shredded fall leaves —These nourish the soil as they decompose. And, using raked leaves as mulch keeps bags of yard waste out of landfills.
  2. Pine bark — This mulch produces an attractive, rich layer perfect for stamping out weeds in your winter landscape. You can buy different particle sizes depending on your garden’s needs.
  3. Pine needles — Some materials can create an interlocking layer of mulch that won’t easily blow or wash away. Pine needles allow for ample soil aeration and decompose into an excellent fertilizer for acid-loving plants.
  4. Shredded hardwood — For a dense mulch that inhibits weed growth and insulates the soil, try shredded hardwood. This material decomposes slowly for long-lasting temperature control.
  5. Wood chips — Budget gardeners should opt for wood chips, a relatively inexpensive mulching material that improves soil moisture retention and minimizes weed growth.
  6. Leaf mold — This is a unique compost made of decomposed leaves. It introduces beneficial microbes and worms to your garden which can improve soil structure and aeration.
  7. Grass clippings — Grass is an accessible, organic mulching material you can take straight from your lawn. Store a bag of it after mowing, allowing the clippings to dry before spreading them over your winter beds. However, just be mindful of herbicides or weed seeds that could be present in your turfgrass before using it as mulch.

 

Best time to start mulching for winter will be when the ground begins to freeze.  If your ground does not freeze, add when the colder weather arrives by simply adding to the mulch already present from spring.  Mulch benefits the plants by protecting from temperature extremes, saves water (prevents excess evaporation), provides nutrients, and discourages weed growth.  Other benefits listed by each mulch type.