In our world of electronic messaging, we sometimes ignore the more persistent natural messages coming from Mother Nature. You may have noticed the leaves accumulating on the lawn and driveway and considered getting out the blower and lawn bags on the weekend. You may even have walked on the colorful leaves but failed to hear the crackling five letter word from Mother Nature: mulch.

Just as the leaves in the forest are becoming the newest layer of flooring and fertilizer, nature is providing you with “winter mulch.” The deciduous leaves and pine straw are free insulation for the root zones of trees, shrubs, bulbs, roses, and perennials.

Winter mulch not only regulates soil temperatures but holds moisture in the ground. Wet soil insulates a plant’s roots better than dry soil does. The moisture retention property of mulch reduces the need to water.

Mulch blocks out sunlight, thereby reducing the spread of weeds and, if applied thick enough, can prohibit weed seed germination. Mulched gardens need no herbicides.

Mulching is a natural and continuous occurrance on the forest floor. Since mulch covers the soil, it can halt erosion and prevent soil–borne diseases from splashing onto plant parts.

As organic mulch decays, it adds nutrients to the soil automatically for you. The gardener can hasten decay by shredding mulch materials like grass, leaves, bark, twigs, and limbs.

Mulch encourages plants to grow extensive root systems, adding vigor to the plant.

How much mulch does one apply? A 2”–3” layer of leaves, pine bark, pine straw or wood chips is a sufficient winter blanket. And just as homemakers change indoor bedding blankets with the seasons, gardeners will be spreading “spring mulch” in another six months. Because insects and disease can be attracted to and breed in mulch, changing the “bedding” twice a year reduces and controls problems.

Mother nature provides messages on mulch delivered by the trees. Keep mulch 2”–3” away from touching the woody stems of plants including the trunks of trees. Mulch should be kept 6”–12” away from walls or buildings. The space barrier prevents decay and disease from wet mulch.

Mulch is also useful for covering pathways, driveways, pet runs, and play zones.

Instead of blowing and bagging the leaves as waste for pickup, recycle the gifts from Mother Nature back into your garden and share the message with others.
Pine straw mulch creates a tidy continuity among a grove of pines.
Autumn leaves bring more than color to the garden.
Mulch should not be mounded up against the trunk of trees.
Keep mulch 2”–3” away f rom woody stems and trunks to prevent decay and disease.
Properly applied mulch ties together different plants for an unified appearance.