Spreading mulch is a great way to protect the root systems of your trees and bushes and also creates a gentle barrier between the fragile ground around your plants and the cold temperatures.
However, before you decide that you need to spread mulch all over your yard, it is important to be knowledgeable about the pros and cons of having mulch in your yard.
Your outdoor landscaping is an important part of your home’s curb appeal and should be well cared for all year around. Some people think that the winter months are a time to be more relaxed about their landscaping. However, it is actually the perfect time to get your landscaping ready for the spring season.
Laying mulch in your yard is a great thing to do to protect your trees – but, it is important to know how to work with this material.
Here are a few tips for you to follow:
- If you, or someone who is visiting your home, is a smoker – make sure there is an old bucket with sand outside for cigarette butts. Throwing cigarette butts into the flower bed where there is mulch can easily lead to a fire. Obviously, this is more or a risk during the summer months when the weather is dry. But, throwing cigarette butts into the mulch bed is a bad habit any time of the year and it is best to set the expectation.
- During the winter months it isn’t as necessary but, during the other months of the year it is important to water the mulch on your property to keep it moist and flame-retardant. Mulch is dark in color and can retain a lot of heat and get to high temperatures. Keeping it wet can help to keep those temperatures at a minimal level.
- Make sure to spread mulch evenly and not too thick. When there are large piles of mulch that are very thick, steam can be created when the warmth within the mound of mulch mixes with the cold air. It is important to minimize this reaction as much as possible by spreading mulch no thicker than four inches.
Keep your home and your trees protected by following these tips on how to work with mulch.
