Why Mulch Matters: Autumn Gardening Wisdom from Professionals

Mulch plays an important role in the garden during the autumn and winter. With the colder weather here to stay for a few months, it’s time to start considering how you are going to protect your plants. In this article, we will be discussing all the different types of mulch and how it can benefit you this season.

What Are The Different Types of Mulch?

Firstly, let’s break down what the different types of mulch actually are. Mulch types can be sorted into two main categories; organic and inorganic. Organic mulch refers to a type of mulching material that is derived from natural substances originating from living organisms or once-living materials. These materials undergo decomposition over time, contributing organic matter to the soil. Whereas inorganic mulch is made from non-living materials that do not decompose or break down over time.

Organic Mulch

There are a few different types of organic mulch which are popularly used in gardens or large estates. Bark mulch for example, is made from shredded or chipped bark. It can be made in different sizes and even different colours, so many choose this type of mulch as it can fit aesthetically with a variety of landscapes. 

Wood chips are similar, but they may include branches or leaves and they tend to break down over time. Straw or hay is another popular variety of organic mulch. Often used amongst vegetable patches, straw is extremely lightweight and decomposes at a relatively quick rate. The only difference between hay and straw is that hay may contain some hidden seeds. 

Leaves and grass clippings can also be a great source of mulch. Shredded leaves can be an excellent and easily accessible mulch that will decay over a period of time and enrich the soil beneath. In a similar light, grass clippings can also do the same job. However, we would recommend letting any clippings dry before applying them to your garden to prevent any matting. 

In the category of ‘organic mulch’ is living mulch. Unlike traditional mulches that break down over time, living mulch continually grows and can be managed through regular mowing or trimming. Take clover crops for example – clover can be used as a living mulch as it provides similar benefits to other organic mulch, whilst also adding nutrients to the soil. 

Inorganic Mulch

As mentioned above, inorganic mulch doesn’t break down over time, but can still act as an insulator to the soil below. Examples of inorganic mulch include gravel or rock, plastic, rubber mulch and landscape fabric. 

Gravel or rock provides a good level of drainage and is suitable for locations that receive a lot of heavy watering or rainfall. Whereas plastic mulch can help control weeds, in addition to retaining the soil moisture and regulating the temperature of the soil. 

Rubber mulch is typically made from recycled materials such as tires, and it won’t break down over time. Rubber mulch is great for its ability to retain heat. Due to the weather in the UK, rubber mulch is popular in community spaces such as schools and nursing homes, but in hotter climates, it won’t be as common. Finally, there is landscape fabric. As professionals, we would recommend using landscape fabric alongside other mulches. Landscape fabric can help prevent the growth of weeds whilst also allowing rainwater in.

Seasonal Protection

So, now we’ve looked at the main different types of mulch, why should you consider using it in your garden? Firstly, seasonal protection! With the weather getting cold, mulch acts as a natural insulator that will provide that all important protective layer to your garden. 

During the cold, any ground that has been left with mulch is open to the elements, which can create movement. According to the article titled ‘Guide to winter mulches: Protect plant roots from the chill’ from OregonLive, this ‘movement can cause many small or shallow rooted plants to be heaved out of the soil, thereby exposing their crowns and/or upper root systems to damaging freezes’. As winter moves in, you will want to shield your plants and their roots from the extreme temperature fluctuations. In doing so, you will allow them to continue thriving and assist them in being resilient to the weather. 

Moisture Management

In addition to shielding your plant’s root systems from the elements, mulch can also allow your plants to retain moisture. During the winter, many plants, trees and shrubs enter their dormant season. This can mean that we change up our watering system. Without the hot sun beating down, and our plant’s practically ‘hibernating’, they won’t need as much water. 

However, this doesn’t mean that your soil won’t need to be kept consistently moist. As your plants prepare for winter dormancy, it’s vital that they have everything they need, so they can thrive once spring rolls around. Mulch can help reduce overall evaporation and conserve precious moisture that your plants will require to reach optimal growth. 

Weed Suppression

Autumn is the prime time for weed growth, which can mean that even though your plants are dormant, they can be competing for the essential nutrients they require to stay healthy. Mulch can be a powerful tool when it comes to preventing weeds.

 As mentioned above, landscape fabric can still let the rainwater in, whilst also keeping nasty weeds out. Mulch acts as a physical barrier against the weeds, as it is put over the soil and blocks natural sunlight from reaching any unwanted seeds. Like for most plants, sunlight is essential for germination and growth of many different weed species. By denying them access to sunlight, the mulch actually inhibits the development of the seedlings. Not to mention, with a dense layer of mulch in your garden, the weed seedlings won’t even be able to make direct contact with soil – making it all the more difficult for them to grow. Mulch, whether organic or inorganic can encourage your garden to flourish, even in the colder months. 

Soil Enrichment

The health of any garden starts with the soil. Without healthy soil, no plants, trees, shrubs or flowers would be able to thrive. Mulch, particularly organic mulch, breaks down over time and can contribute to the organic matter in your garden. Organic matter enhances the over soil structure and fertility of the soil below. 

According to Home & Garden, in an article titled ‘How to improve your garden soil – 5 simple methods for creating the best growing conditions’, they state ‘one of the most important principles of gardening is to feed your soil so it can feed your plants’. They also recommend home compost as an eco-friendly organic mulch. They say to include ‘woody materials such as garden prunings, shredded cardboard and paper’, alongside, ‘green ingredients like raw kitchen fruit and vegetable peelings, soft green garden waste such as dead plants, deadheaded stems, dead vase arrangements and grass clippings from mowing the lawn’

Root Health and Insulation:

As the temperature begins to drop, plants become even more reliant on their root systems. The roots below the soil offer them stability, as the weather starts to fluctuate, alongside those all important nutrients.  To help the roots remain stable, mulch can be a great addition during the dominant period. Helping to provide a more protected layer against the unground roots and the elements is a must. 

Aesthetic Appeal

Not only can mulch serve as a way to protect your plants in the autumn and winter, but it can also be an aesthetic choice you make for your garden space. Mulch, especially inorganic varieties, offers an array of colours and textures, which will enhance the visual cohesion of a landscape. Choosing a consistent colour or type of mulch throughout the garden can contribute to a harmonious and well-designed look.

How BZ Gardens Can Help With Our Arboricultural Services This Autumn

This autumn, entrusting your arboricultural services to BZ Gardens ensures the health and vitality of your trees and garden. Our expert team specialises in a range of gardening services designed to address the specific needs of your landscape during this season. 

From meticulous pruning and trimming to removing dead or diseased branches, we prioritise the well-being and aesthetics of your outdoor space. Our arboricultural services extends to assessing the overall health of your trees, providing essential care to enhance resilience against winter stresses. If you would like to speak to one of our team, contact us on 01483 967160.