Should you mulch in the fall? There are a few benefits that can come from this practice!
It may seem that adding mulch to your garden beds or landscape during fall is counterproductive. However, laying mulch in the fall can be beneficial in protecting vulnerable plants from the harshest frost and winter temperatures. Mulching in the fall can be a wise choice when done correctly. The landscape care professionals at Scientific Plant Service can help you determine whether mulch may help your plants and trees stay protected during the coldest months. If you are interested in laying mulch in the fall, consider the following advantages as well as a few tips for mulching this season.
The Advantages of Mulching in the Fall
How does mulch benefit plants in the fall?
- Mulch insulates the soil to help plants more easily survive the winter
- Plant roots and bulbs react less harshly to temperature swings that occur in fall and winter
- Laying mulch during the cooler fall months is a lot easier on you than it is in the summer
- If you also cut back your perennials in winter, you will have more space to lay the mulch
As long as you start early, mulching plants for winter can be a wise idea. It can provide benefits to their long-term health and boost their winter resistance.
Tips to Lay Mulch in the Fall
How can you successfully lay mulch in the fall? There are a few essential factors to consider:
- Mulch Type: Choose a quality mulch that looks great and lasts through the winter. Whatever mulch you choose, a depth of 2 inches will be sufficient.
- Prepare Garden Beds: Remove all plant debris and pull any weeds that are still around.
- Start Before Frost: Be sure to lay mulch in the fall before the first frost kicks off colder temperatures.
- Tree Mulch: Don’t suffocate your tree with mulch. Taper the mulch depth from 2 inches to zero at the tree trunk instead of piling it up against the tree trunk. Mulch piled against the trunk keeps the moisture from the mulch against the tree and can soften the bark and weaken it to pests.
If you decide to mulch in the fall, you may be able to provide your landscape with a bit of extra help during the coldest months. Consult the team at Scientific Plant Service if you are interested in learning more about how mulch may help your landscape this season.
Scientific Plant Service Is Your Go-To Source In Landscape Healthcare
Scientific Plant Service, located in Baltimore, is a privately owned corporation, chartered in Maryland in 1957 by Frank J. Burke. We started as a full-service Arborists specializing in the care of shade trees and ornamental shrubs, but today we are a Lawn Care company that is a huge part of the community. From aquatic environments and snow management to deer and mole control, SPS has services tailored specifically for your lawn and landscape.
We offer services in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia, including: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Prince Georges, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Calvert counties in MD, as well as Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church in VA. For more information, contact us online, or call us at 410-321-0970. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.