Stone mulch adds a level of sophistication.
Stone mulch gives a garden bed a neat, well-manicured look, but it is also beneficial to the plants. An insulating layer, stone mulch helps stabilize the soil's temperature and protects the roots from damaging freeze-thaw cycles. The stones also prevent soil erosion and help to keep weed seeds from germinating. For it to be effective, apply stone mulch correctly and at the right times.
Instructions
1. Plant your perennials, shrubs or trees immediately after applying mulch, not before. If your trees or plants are already in the ground, Clemson Cooperative Extension recommends waiting until spring to apply mulch. Spring is when weeds grow most vigorously and the soil is susceptible to temperature fluctuations.
2. Install a plastic, brick or stone border around the garden bed or tree. The border must be tall enough to hold in the stone mulch and keep it from sliding out of place. Borders around newly-planted trees must be 3 to 4 feet in diameter. The circle around established trees must be 2 feet in diameter per inch of the tree trunk's width. As the tree grows, you must widen the border and the mulch layer to cover the tree's widening roots.
3. Spread the mulch over the entire bed or tree's planting area. Make the mulch bed 1 to 4 inches deep depending on the size of the stones. Small, gravel-sized stones provide the best protection when layered 1 to 2 inches thick. Larger stones work best when layered 3 to 4 inches thick. Keep the mulch 6 to 12 inches away from the wall of your home. If the soil around your home has been treated to control termites, mulch too close to your home will act as a bridge and allow termites access.
4. Move the mulch 2 to 3 inches away from the base of the tree or plant.
5. Check the soil's moisture level frequently to gauge how often the plant needs to be watered. Stone mulch absorbs heat during the day and releases it at night. This heating and cooling cycle draws moisture from the soil. You may have to increase your regular watering schedule.
Tips Warnings
Stone mulch works best with perennials and permanent plantings.
Do not use stone mulch near acid-loving plants. The stone mulch will slightly raise the pH of the soil. Stone mulch reflects heat and raises the temperature around plants -- especially during the hot summer months. Do not use it around plants that struggle under warm temperatures.
You can also use stone mulch to cover trails, driveways and playground areas.
Trees need mulch for their first five years of growth in a new site. If you wish to remove the mulch after this period, you may.
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