Choosing the Right Mulch for Your Yard

The chill and snow will soon be here, that means it is the perfect time to spread mulch in your yard. A winter mulching protects your plants from freezing weather and wind. Later, the mulch will keep the ground frozen by trapping the cold. A steady ground temperature ensures plants remain in a dormant state for a longer period of time. If the soil warms too early, it could trigger premature plant growth.

Winter mulching retains water in the soil. The correct bagged mulch will even keep your flowerbeds moist after a hard frost. When shopping, look for loose mulches. Remember, whatever you put down now must be picked up again in the spring, so choose your mulch wisely. Shredded mulch, pine needles or shredded leaves are all good choices. If your garden does not generally freeze until after the holidays, consider using the boughs from your Christmas tree. Some plants collapse on themselves and will act as mulch. Ask your local gardening store or landscape service for more guidance about which plants will work best for your climate and soil type.

Judging when to remove your winter mulch can be difficult. Get rid of it too soon and you can be surprised by a late season frost, but remove it too late and your yard or flowerbed will suffer. Remove the mulch when the threat of a hard frost has passed. Generally, this is after the ground has been able to thaw for a few weeks.

While you are shopping for winter mulch, start thinking about what you would like to use in the spring. It is never too early to begin formulating plans for the next season. Mulch can beautify your landscaping plans and improve the health of your soil. In the spring and summer months, a thin layer of mulch can reduce water evaporation, thus reducing your water use. Thicker mulch will inhibit weed growth by cutting off their sunlight. Bare ground is the perfect place for weeds to grow. Less bare soil means weeds cannot contact with the ground, and fewer weeds give your plants a fighting chance against insects and disease.

Mulch breaks down to feed the soil leading to a better soil life. If you would prefer to keep your mulch around longer, consider shredded bark mulch, as it takes longer to break down and does not need to be replenished as often. Bark mulches best compliment trees, shrubs and pathways.

For gardeners who are looking for an earthy feel, consider cocoa mulch. It is more expensive than bark mulch, but its dark brown color gives a rich look to any garden. Cocoa mulch does have a drawback � mold tends to grow on the mulch rather quickly. While it does not harm your plants or lawn, it can be unsightly. Many people who use cocoa mulch will replace it often, putting it outside the budget of many gardeners.

Annette Drescher is the General Manager of Evans Landscaping. She has been marketing and selling landscaping supplies for more than 14 years.