Education

Protect Your Plants with Mulch

After you have created your prime growing soil conditions, it is important to protect your plants with a minimum 3 inch layer of mulch such as our SC Fine Garden Mulch. Our harsh winters, dry climate and changing weather have made mulching a necessity in Alberta. Here are the benefits and how to of mulching: 

Advantages of Mulching

• Evens soil temperatures
• Reduces water evaporation and retains moisture
• Prevents weed growth 
• Adds nutrients to the soil as it decays improving organic content of the soil
• Improves root density of developing trees
• Helps prevent erosion during heavy rains by holding soil in place

Mulch Application

• Measure the area to be mulched. Enter the numbers into our Volume Calculator to obtain how many cubic yards are needed. We suggest an average depth of 3-4 inches for best results. 
• Hand edge or boarder the bed or tree wells so that grass and weeds can't creep in. If the area has existing weeds or grass, apply a herbicide (for best results) or remove the weeds by hand. Wait 5-7 day to apply mulch. 
• Apply a 2'' (top ups) to 4'' (new application) layer of mulch. Allow some space for the plant stem to move so that it does not rub on the mulch. 
• Water the mulched area periodically over the next 2-3 days to help the mulch bond with the soil and keep it from blowing in heavy winds. 
• As mulch decomposes, rake it to freshin it up. Mulch should be topped up when it gets below 3 inches. Make sure you are topped up in both the summer and winter to protect roots from damaging winds and harsh temperature changes. 
• Try not to place mulch right up against the base of your trees, as this can cause the bark to rot.