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Post by david on Oct 15, 2019 14:17:37 GMT -5
Question: Mulch or not Answer: As a personal choice I do not use mulch in the grove. I have trees in my yard that are mulched. I prefer bare ground in the grove for several reasons. 1. Bare ground collects heat in the winter day and radiates it to the tree at night. 2. No mulch means no place for pest to overwinter. 3. Moisture control is not a necessity in a grove. Dooryard trees can be successfully mulched. The moisture control by mulch keeps things at an even rate...water does not become extreme in either direction. In winter black mulch absorbs some heat. It can be pulled away from the base of the tree for the winter. In fall after the pest go to find a place in mulch to spend the winter, I have a surprise for them. I make a Malithon drench and pour it on the mulch. This sends them to the great bug graveyard. It keeps the grass and/or weeds from competing with the tree for nutrients. It decomposes after a while and becomes soil nutrients/amendments. It makes a good place for earthworms to work and the castings can be used by the tree. My conclusion is: mulch if you feel the need and can give it the care needed. If not leave bare ground under the tree. Either option requires some care.
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