Defined, mulch is a layer of organic or inorganic material spread on the surface of the soil to reduce moisture loss. Organic mulches are generally a better choicer because they offer the added benefits of improving soil structure and fertility.
Organic mulches include compost (commercial or homemade), shredded bark, dried grass clippings
(free of herbicides), aged sawdust, clean wheat straw, pine needles and other coarsely ground or shredded plant material. Inorganic mulches include rocks, gravel, and shredded fibers (such as rubber tires). Weed fabrics are best used in path areas, for complete weed/plant control, or areas where planting is very limited. Weed fabric placement over active plant growing areas has been
shown to “alter the soil strata and deprive plants of needed air, nutrients, and decomposing organic material.”
The best time to apply mulch is after fall cleaning has taken place (removal of dead or diseased plant material) and the first hard freeze has occurred. This allows for any non-beneficial organisms and insect eggs or larvae to be killed. Late spring, after the soil has warmed is the next best time to apply mulch (remember, after applying in later spring-water the area thoroughly, spread the mulch layer, then water again to “bind” the mulch to the damp soil.
Added benefits of mulch include; cuts down on weed germination and growth which robs moisture from other plants, moderates soil temperature, protects the plants and soil from the “freeze/ thaw” (heaving) which occurs in Colorado during the winter, prevents compacting of soils, so there’s less water run-off, controls erosion on slopes and provides a neat and attractive appearance in between plants.
Organic mulches include compost (commercial or homemade), shredded bark, dried grass clippings
(free of herbicides), aged sawdust, clean wheat straw, pine needles and other coarsely ground or shredded plant material. Inorganic mulches include rocks, gravel, and shredded fibers (such as rubber tires). Weed fabrics are best used in path areas, for complete weed/plant control, or areas where planting is very limited. Weed fabric placement over active plant growing areas has been
shown to “alter the soil strata and deprive plants of needed air, nutrients, and decomposing organic material.”
The best time to apply mulch is after fall cleaning has taken place (removal of dead or diseased plant material) and the first hard freeze has occurred. This allows for any non-beneficial organisms and insect eggs or larvae to be killed. Late spring, after the soil has warmed is the next best time to apply mulch (remember, after applying in later spring-water the area thoroughly, spread the mulch layer, then water again to “bind” the mulch to the damp soil.
Added benefits of mulch include; cuts down on weed germination and growth which robs moisture from other plants, moderates soil temperature, protects the plants and soil from the “freeze/ thaw” (heaving) which occurs in Colorado during the winter, prevents compacting of soils, so there’s less water run-off, controls erosion on slopes and provides a neat and attractive appearance in between plants.
SUGGESTED APPLICATION RATES:
1 CUBIC FOOT (MOST COMMON BAG SIZE AVAILABLE – RETAIL)
12 SQ FT = 1″ DEEP
6 SQ FT = 2″ DEEP
***4 SQ FT = 3″ DEEP***
***3 SQ FT = 4″ DEEP***
1 CUBIC YARD (THINK TRUCKLOAD/S)
364 SQ FT = 1″ DEEP
162 SQ FT = 2″ DEEP
***91 SQ FT = 3″ DEEP***
***45.5 SQ FT = 4″ DEEP***
***Research has proven, especially with the climate of Colorado gardens, the recommended rate to apply mulch is 3″-4″ deep.***
1 CUBIC FOOT (MOST COMMON BAG SIZE AVAILABLE – RETAIL)
12 SQ FT = 1″ DEEP
6 SQ FT = 2″ DEEP
***4 SQ FT = 3″ DEEP***
***3 SQ FT = 4″ DEEP***
1 CUBIC YARD (THINK TRUCKLOAD/S)
364 SQ FT = 1″ DEEP
162 SQ FT = 2″ DEEP
***91 SQ FT = 3″ DEEP***
***45.5 SQ FT = 4″ DEEP***
***Research has proven, especially with the climate of Colorado gardens, the recommended rate to apply mulch is 3″-4″ deep.***
