Mulching should be done in the early spring.  A 2-3 inch layer of shredded bark mulch is a suitable amount.  When applying the mulch, take special care not to allow any mulch to build up on the base of the plants.  Mulch piled against a plant increases pest and disease problems significantly .

 

Benefits of mulching include: water conservation, weed control, erosion prevention, soil temperature consistency (which is beneficial for root growth), addition of organic material (as the mulch decomposes), and a pleasing aesthetic effect.

 

Winter mulches should be applied AFTER the ground freezes.  In this area that date is not before December 15th.  This will keep the ground around the plants frozen during winter thaws, and prevent the plant from heaving and exposing its roots to the harmful winter temperature.  Never pile winter mulch directly against the base of the plant.  This gives mice and other burrowing rodents a passage directly to the inner and outer bark.  Keep the mulch at least 3 - 4 inches from the base of the plant.

 

In selecting a mulch, one should select a shredded hardwood bark mulch, and should be cautious of the dyed mulches.  These are generally shredded wood chips, that will actually take nitrogen away from your plants as they decompose.  Also the dye that is used can become toxic if used year after year. Another concern is what the dyed mulches are made from waste lumber. Recently, a number of companies have been using demolition waste in mulch. 

Our Hardwood bark mulch is made from bark striped off trees at a sawmill. We have used the same supplier for years and we know that our mulch is not made from someone else's trash.