Pros and Cons of Mulches for Summer Landscaping Projects - McDonough Landscaping | Woodbury and Cottage Grove Landscape Company (2024)

FAQs

What is a major downside to mulching? ›

Excessive mulch that is a layer more than 3 inches deep can suffocate and bury plants. In this case, oxygen and water are unable to reach the roots. A layer of 2 to 3 inches of mulch is enough. Do not over mulch.

PROS: Attractive color, good coverage, lasts longer than leaves or grass clippings. CONS: Prone to weed seeds, which can cause more problems than it solves.

Spring/Summer mulching is normally after the soil begins to warm in the spring. The primary roles of summer mulches are to warm the soil, reduce weed growth, and retain soil moisture. Spring/Summer mulching still provides all of the benefits of mulch listed above.

While mulching in early fall is safe, you should never mulch during late fall. "This can insulate the ground and prevent plant dormancy," says Morrell. The much-needed hibernation helps plants survive the cold winter months.

to plants: Toxic to leaf tissue as shown by greatly decreased metabolic rates and waterlogged appearance. Root tissue is even more sensitive, showing toxicity when briefly exposed to 10 % methanol solution. to humans: Exposure can lead to symptoms of weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting and blurred vision.

Mulch can attract millipedes, centipedes, spiders, sowbugs, earwigs, ants, and even co*ckroaches crawling around in mulch beds. Many insects seek out the conditions that mulch naturally provides. These pests can be beneficial for breaking down organic mulch and can even feed on garden pests.

Finally, avoid large, bark type mulch or big wood chips. Since these big pieces take a long time to decompose, and they end up depriving the soil and plants of nutrients.

Mulch should be replenished or replaced as you start to see signs of decomposition, soil erosion and discoloration. And you'll mostly likely need to remove and replace all mulch after 5-6 years.

You can do late summer mulching. The longer answer is that late summer mulching may provide you with mixed results. The good news is that the worst-case scenario is that the mulching simply won't help. The best case scenario is the mulch will still improve moisture retention and limit weed growth.

A superior mulch product is pine straw. Pine straw has a beautiful finished appearance in a bed. It is easy to put down, comfortable to walk on, and smells wonderful on a summer day.

What is the best mulch for summer? ›

In hot climates, plants benefit from a loose, relatively dry mulch such as shredded leaves. These materials trap air and help insulate roots from extreme heat. If you live where summers are cool and rainy, compost and leaf mold are good options.

There are some species that tolerate excessive mulch better than others. Some of the worst effected plants are grassy plants (iris, daylilies, liriope, etc.), Indian Hawthorn, Azaleas and Loropetalum.

While the material itself does not draw termites to the area, mulch spread over three inches deep creates an inviting habitat for the pests. Layers of organic matter trap heat and moisture next to the ground. Termites use this thick mulch as shelter from harsh weather.

Among the worst offenders for tree mulch are rocks and gravel. Instead of conserving moisture, they heat up the soil, making tree roots thirsty and stressed. Their weight slowly compacts soil over time, and they provide no soil health benefits.

Mulching conserves water by retaining moisture for prolonged periods of time and giving your plants the protection they need in the heat of the day. During the fall months, it's recommended that you make sure there's a healthy application of mulch to ensure your plants don't get too cold.

Mulch reduces soil water losses, suppresses weeds, and protects against temperature extremes, especially in places where it snows. Mulch also feeds soil biology as it decomposes, helping to create healthy, living soil. Healthy soil means healthy plants!

Mulch can mitigate soil compaction, and it is better than bare soil at capturing water and fostering water penetration, so it reduces runoff. It also slows water evaporation from the underlying soil by up to 35 percent, Dr. Fonteno said, and it moderates soil temperatures in the summer and winter.

The question is, should you remove the old mulch or simply add to it? Old mulch refers to a mulch that is still intact after a year has passed since it was applied. Remaining mulch from last year must not be removed.