One Simple Step, So Many Results: The Benefits of Fall Mulching

Did you know in one simple act this fall you could conserve water next summer, improve your overall soil health, and build healthy plant roots, all while reducing the amount of fertilizer wasted in the soil? 

 

The act is fall mulching. “Mulch” comes in many different forms. The form we are discussing is an organic top dressing for your beds, lawn or gardens. You can purchase mulch by the bag or by the truck load depending on your needs.  Organic mulches are composed of spent living material, such as bark, straw, leaves, grass clippings and pine needles. These organic mulches improve the soil by adding nutrients as they decompose and encouraging earthworm activity.

 

The act of “mulching” involves layering the mulch on top of your flower beds, garden or raking it into your lawn.   By spreading mulch this fall, the winter rains will take the nutrients from the decomposing mulch and distribute them into the soil for your plants use. Mulch also helps keep the soil warm and encourages roots to continue growing through the cold months.   When spring arrives, these stronger roots can take full advantage of spring growth and will need less watering. Mulching will adjust the soil temperature in the summer, keeping soil cooler, and even out temperature swings.

 

Mulch does so much for so little effort. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, mulch can help control weeds by blocking the sunlight necessary for germination.   It helps retain water by slowing evaporation. It helps to deter insects. During our rainy months, it even helps with erosion control. 

 

Mulching is just one of a few simple steps you can take during the fall months that will set you ahead this next year, and give you more time to enjoy your healthy landscape.