Our mulch layer is a source of nutrients for the microorganisms found in the soil, while also suppressing weeds, conserving moisture, and protecting the tree from mechanical injury.

Leaves make an excellent (and free) mulch. Three to 4 inches is a good amount around trees and shrubs, and about 2 inches is good around flowers.

Mulch is not just for gardens and landscaping anymore. Use a two-inch layer of mulch at the top of indoor plant containers to help cover unsightly soil, conserve water and keep them looking great.

Mulch decomposes as a result of microbial activity at temperatures typically seen from May to September. Nitrogen is part of this cycle and the decomposition effort in a deep layer of mulch may be ...

To help a tree or shrub, spread mulch over its roots the right way — as a layer, not a mountain. “All too often, you see mulch heaped up around a tree’s trunk,” said Sharon Yiesla, plant ...

Applying mulch is one of the easiest and best ways to help your trees and other plants, but doing it the wrong way can lead to trouble. “Mulch should be a flat, even layer over the soil,” said ...

Nothing benefits a landscape garden more than a deep layer of mulch that keeps the soil damp, cool, fertile and teeming with earthworms and other beneficial critters.

When these weeds seeds germinate in the mulch layer they will root into the weed mat and are difficult to remove. Plastic sheeting has no place in the garden and it should not be used under mulch.

It's important to apply mulch correctly to achieve these benefits. The mulch layer should be spread evenly around the base of plants in a sloping mound.