Mulching can be one of the most beneficial things you can do for your soil & your plants.
Mulches are a labor saving device for the gardener. A layer of mulch will help prevent the germination of many weed seeds, reducing the need for cultivation or the use of herbicides. Mulches also help moderate the soil temperature & retain moisture during dry weather, reducing the need for watering. Mulches protect the soil from the impact of raindrops that can cause crusting.
Mulches also can be used to enhance the look of your garden. Many bark mulches provide uniformly rich red, brown or gray color that contrasts with the plants.

THE BENEFITS OF MULCHING, INCLUDE:

* Saves Labor - no weeding, less time watering
  
* Saves Water - far less watering needed, and more rain absorption
 
* Safer - no need for chemical weed killers or herbicides
 
* Stimulates growth - mulched trees grow faster than un-mulched trees
 
* Makes trees more resistant to disease & insects
 
* Keeps soil & roots from overheating in hot summers
 
* Eliminates injury to trunk from mower collisions
 
* Reduces soil compaction over roots & adds loft
 
* Nourishes the soil by adding nutrients as it decomposes
 
* Eliminates the need for tilling & resultant root injury
 
* Reduces bruising of fallen fruit under fruit trees
 
* Increase earthworm population resulting in better aeration

BEFORE APPLYING MULCH, HOFFMAN'S URGES YOU TO:
 
Apply Fertilizer First - Although mulch is beneficial, as it begins to decompose it will pull nitrogen from the soil which is detrimental to the plant.  Apply good grade of fertilizer such as Espoma Holly-tone or Plant-tone - before putting down your mulch.
MULCHING IN THE FALL & WINTER:
 
Mulching will serve to get plants through the winter. As fall comes to a close - first frost having occurred or is imminent - pull out the spent annuals, prune back the dead parts of perennials & prepare the beds for mulching.
HOW TO APPLY MULCH:
 
Spread a layer of mulching materials over the entire desired area. Keep mulch 2 to 3 inches away from the stems or trunks of trees, shrubs & woody plants.
If you are mulching around a tree, start tapering the height of the mulch down when you get to within a few inches of the trunk, leaving the base of the tree free of mulch.  It is better to have to weed this small area than to risk damage to your tree.
Keep mulch slightly away from walls of buildings.
Need to know how much mulch you need?  See the coverage chart below...
DO NOT PUT TOO MUCH MULCH DOWN:
  
* No more than 3 inches deep or what will decompose over the course of a year.
  
* Deep mulch can lead to excess moisture in the root zone, which can stress the plant
& cause root rot.
  
* Piling mulch against the trunk or stems of plants can stress stem tissues, burn the trunk & may lead to insect & disease problems.
 
* Mulch piled high against the trunks of young trees may create habitats for rodents that chew the bark & can girdle the trees.
 
* Thick blankets of fine mulch can become matted & may prevent the penetration of
water & air. In addition, a thick layer of fine mulch can become like potting soil & may support weed growth.
COVERAGE CHART
1 cubic yard will cover:
324 sq. ft. x 1' deep
162 sq. ft. x 2' deep
108 sq. ft. x 3' deep
 
2 cubic foot bags will cover:
24 sq. ft. x 1' deep
12 sq. ft. x 2'deep

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