The Pros of Fall Mulching

• Helps to Keep the ground warm during heavy winter freeze: It insulates the soil and protects tender or newly planted roots from severe winter freezes.

• Less Likely to cause damage: Empty, cleaned-out fall beds allow you to apply mulch smoothly without damaging delicate new sprouts or emerging bulbs.

• Weed prevention: It stops winter and early spring weeds from taking root before plants wake up.

• Feeds the soil: Organic mulch breaks down over the winter months, enriching the soil with important nutrien

  The Cons of Fall Mulching

• Rot: A thick layer can trap too much water around plant crowns and stems, causing them to rot.

• Pests: Piling mulch too close to the base of plants can invite unwanted pests like slugs and rodents looking for a place to hide out.

• Self seeders struggle: A fresh, heavy layer of mulch prevents self-seeding plants from germinating naturally.

• Slows spring warming: Thick fall mulch keeps the ground cold longer, delaying the natural spring awakening of some dormant perennials.

Best Practices

• Timing: Wait until plants go dormant and the ground cools (around 50°F or after the first hard freeze).

• Depth: Apply a sensible layer (2-3 inches) or you will regret all that extra bagging in the spring!

• Clear the base: Keep the mulch pulled back a few inches from plant stems and tree trunks to prevent rot