Bark and wood chips turned into mulch nourish and protect trees and shrubs

Bark and wood waste can be used to cover the ground in gardens, parks or orchards. You've probably seen bags of wood chips and bark in the shops - the idea has already turned into a business. Find here an example of such a business that has made itself more efficient by turning wood waste into a saleable by-product.

Mulching has become a common practice. A variety of organic materials are used - grass, leaves, twigs, plant debris, bark, bark chips - as well as inorganic materials such as plastic sheeting, gravel or glass beads. All these materials are known generically as mulch, and the mulching operation is called mulching. Mulches and mulch are adopted from English (mulch) and although they are not DEX words, they are unanimously used to define this operation and the materials used. Discover the advantages of this process, the materials used and the role of scrap wood below.

Mulching - regulates soil moisture and temperature

Mulching consists of covering the soil with organic or inorganic material to retain moisture, prevent weeds from growing, supply nutrients, prevent soil erosion and prevent plants from freezing. It is a nature-inspired way of protecting soil and plants. In the forest there is a layer of dead leaves on the ground that protects the soil and roots from frost, and by rotting they provide fertilizer to the soil.

Mulch is also commonly used in orchards and gardens. Mulch keeps moisture in the soil during hot summer periods, reducing water requirements by up to 50%. When used in greenhouses it prevents condensation, which can cause plant damage. The mulch layer is laid in such a way that the light only reaches the crop plants, the rest is covered. This prevents weeds from growing and makes it unnecessary to treat the crop against them. By keeping the soil permanently moist, earthworms thrive under the mulch. This reduces a number of maintenance operations.

An advantage of organic mulch is that by rotting and decomposing, it provides the soil with nitrogen compounds similar to fertilizer. It is not a substitute for fertilization, but a soil covered with organic material will be richer in nutrients than one left bare.

Mulching is not recommended for very wet soils because it retains water inside and can cause plants to rot. Organic mulching is also not good on land with slugs or rodents. For mice, a layer of woodchips, twigs or leaves is a very good nesting place and they will breed more quickly. Mulch should only be used during warm periods to keep water in the soil.

Mulci organic versus inorganic

Organic Mulch can be made from almost any plant waste. It uses fallen leaves, mown grass, hay, straw, branches left over from topping trees, corn cobs, chaff, sunflower hats, walnut shells, conifer needles, bark, bark chips, wood shavings. Materials should be healthy and dry or semi-damp. Not all mulch will lay evenly on the ground, as the mulch layer can vary from 5 to 20 cm. For example, if the material is wetter (shredded leaves, fresh grass) the layer should not be thick because it prevents water and air from passing through, which will lead to rotting and an unpleasant odor.

Ca inorganic mulch plastic sheeting, glass, river gravel, crushed rock. Sheets are most commonly used by those growing vegetables and fruit, but also by those planting trees or fruit trees. In the former case, polyethylene sheets are used to prevent weeds from growing, which is why they are also called anti-burden films. The latter is a textile netting that prevents soil erosion, conserves moisture and regulates temperature. They are only used on perennials.

Advantages organic mulch are its availability, low cost, the opportunity to get rid of waste, and the fact that it decomposes by fertilizing the soil. Disadvantages are the possibility of containing diseases or pests and the fact that it has to be continually replenished. Inorganic Mulch They last longer over time, the control of the results is stricter and the offer is aesthetically great (more colors). The disadvantages are high costs, becoming waste when they have to be changed and the danger of plants suffering from overheating.

How to use woodchips, wood shavings and bark as mulch

The mulch recommended for shrubs, trees and fruit trees is mulch made from woodchips, wood shavings and bark. These materials are not recommended for annual crops because they decompose over years and interfere with seedbed preparation. However, they can be used between crop beds if the crops are raised. Be careful, do not use chipboard, MDF or treated or painted wood scraps!

Do not use fine sawdust, use talax. Fine sawdust can impede water drainage and create a carbon-nitrogen imbalance in the soil. Fresh sawdust should not be used because it has a very acidic pH. If left as a mound for a few months, even a year without turning it, the pH decreases and it can be used. Because of its acidic pH it is recommended for blueberry crops, around azaleas or conifers. Mixed with freshly mown grass it increases the nitrogen in the soil. A mulch layer thickness of 5-7 cm is recommended.

Tree bark and wood chips from wood waste or from chopping up branches from mulching are the most commonly used mulch materials. These materials decompose more slowly and only need to be refreshed once a year. A mixture of bark and compost makes a very good mulch for mature trees and shrubs. The thickness of the mulch layer of bark or wood chips is 5-10 cm.

Benefits for trees, shrubs and perennials from mulching with wood chips

Wood mix feeds the soil. One of the most important benefits of using woodchips is that they rot over time and feed the soil from which the tree feeds.

Regulates soil temperature. A thick layer of woodchips maintains a pleasant, constant soil temperature, protecting the roots. Mulch is very important in both summer and winter. It is like insulation for houses, keeping the ground cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

Regulates soil moisture. SThe protective treatment of woodchips also prevents water evaporating from the soil. Reducing evaporation around the roots conserves water, reducing the frequency with which plants need to be watered and decreases the likelihood of trees being affected by drought. Also, the irregular splits let water pass through, preventing waterlogging.

No need for herbicides, fertilizers or fertilizers. AWood chips prevent light from reaching the weeds and stop them from growing, working as a herbicide. Then, by rotting, the wood chips nourish the soil and there is no need for chemical fertilizers that can become dangerous in the long term.

Reduce waste. Tree bark, wood waste, woodchips and wood chips are waste in most factories. Turning them into mulch makes them useful, while helping trees and shrubs to grow. Basically, the waste supports a new life cycle.

Aesthetic choice for parks and gardens. Last but not least, it contributes to the tidy appearance of parks and gardens. Wood chips come in a wide variety of textures and colors, and the contrast between the colors of the wood and the greenery of the garden is delightful.

I hope you find the above information useful. As always, additions are welcome. And if you have any questions or queries, please leave them below in the space provided. I will be sure to reply.