Got Mulch?

Some people don't realize how important it is to have mulch. Especially in hot climates where the water can quickly dry up. What happens is when mulch is put around plants, trees, and shrubs it reduces the water evaporating from the surface of the soil. Not only does mulch save you from having to do any weeding, the moister from the water is contained in the mulch. Mulch is a good idea but sometimes good ideas go wrong. If you use too much mulch and cover the lower trunk for instance you are inviting insect damage and disease to the tree or plant. Keep a general rule of thumb and use apprx. 2" per application of organic mulch. You want the water and air to easily get through the mulch and this should be fine. This will help the roots so it can grow better. The stone and rubber mulches don't save as much water as the organic mulches do but they still do a good job of protecting the roots and allowing water to get through but also stop weeds from starting due to lack of sunshine on the soil. There are several tree based mulches that will deter insects due to scent of other properties of the wood. I recommend Eucalyptus mulch for it's insect properties and don't recommend Cedar. Cedar is getting scarce and is a lovely hardwood tree that shouldn't be cut down for mulch of all things. Be responsible! If you buy a lot of one type they will continue to harvest it, if you don't buy it they will use something else.