Everything You Need To Know About Mulching In Time For Summer

If correctly applied, mulches will encourage a healthy root system, retain soil moisture and reduce weed growth.  A healthy root system is also more capable of resisting infections from soil-borne diseases such as Phytophthora and Honey Fungus.  When applying any form of mulch around living plants, it is vital that there is no direct contact with the stem as the mulch retains too much moisture against the stem and this can harm the bark and stem tissues, encouraging disease.

Primarily, there are two types of mulches: organic and inorganic. Organic mulches include composted kitchen waste, leaves and wood chippings. Organic mulches should be applied directly to the soil surface and will decompose over a period of time. As they decompose, they will require replenishing but they have the added advantage of improving the structure and nutrient levels in the soil. Depending on the size of the tree, shrub or the root system of plants, a mulch should be spread over the rooting area to a depth of between 5 and 10cms and will need 'topping up' every one to two years. When applying an inorganic mulch the ground should preferably be weed free. If this is not possible then all vegetation should be cut as low as possible.

With trees, a mulch should be applied from the outer branches to 5cms from the base of the trunk. If this is not possible the minimum mulch circle radii should be half a metre for small trees, one metre for medium trees and three metres for larger trees. 

Be aware that any mulch that contains the bark, wood or leaves of Walnut, Redwood or Cherry Laurel should be avoided as they contain chemicals that can be harmful to plants.

Some forms of inorganic mulches are crushed slate and gravel. Prior to applying an inorganic mulch, it is advisable to lay a permeable membrane on weed-free ground as this will maintain a clear division and prevent the mixing of the soil and mulch material.

Happy mulching.