:: neighborly advice

Mulching

Mulching is the most important post planting practice that you can do to improve the health and vitality of your landscape plant. Research has shown that wood chip mulch can nearly double plant growth in the first few years after planting.

Mulching conserves moisture and insulates roots from heat and cold extremes. Proper mulching provides a well-groomed appearance, eliminates grass or weed competition and prevents damage from mowers and weed trimmers.

Mulch with a 2- to 4-inch layer of organic material. The diameter of the mulched area should be at least 2 feet, although larger areas are recommended.