It finally began to heat up last week and many of you may have noticed your plants and trees showing signs of heat stress. Whatever you are growing, it is important to mulch the soil, as it has many benefits for your plants and trees. Using natural mulch from tree lopping (green mulch) is one of the best ways to grow and maintain a healthy garden. Have your irrigation source below the mulch if possible, to prevent evaporation, and be sure to adhere to the water use rules in your area.
What are the benefits of mulching?
Maintains an even soil temperature: Mulch acts as an insulator so your plants’ roots don’t get too hot. And vice-versa, in the winter months!
Feeding the soil: Natural mulches decompose over time to add nutrients to the soil, encouraging plant growth.
Conserving water: Mulching prevents the top of your soil from drying out, and reduces evaporation. You will only need to water about half as much if you have a mulched garden.
Reducing weed growth: Mulch prevents the sunlight reaching the soil and the weed seeds from germinating. Also, any weeds that do struggle up through the mulch are far easier to pull out.
Habitat creation: Beneficial insects and small marsupials may live in the mulch and help keep garden pests under control.
Aesthetics: Natural mulch is an attractive feature, and will improve the look of your garden.
Definitely - contrary to what some people believe, green mulch is fine to spread straight on the garden. It will dry out to an even colour in a short time. When mulching trees, be sure to keep the mulch away from the base of trunks, as this may cause collar-rot.
How much mulch do I need?
One cubic metre of mulch covers 10 square metres at a thickness of 10 cm. Unless you have quite a large area to mulch, one truck-load of 5 to 6 cubes is usually sufficient. Green mulch applied this way will eventually settle to a thickness of 5 cm or so. It is a good idea to top up your mulch layer once or twice a year.
So… what are you waiting for? If you need mulch supplied and delivered in the Mandurah area, click here to order.