Apple tree mulching: description of materials and recommendations the better

To improve the characteristics of the soil and maintain the quality of the soil around the trees, apple tree mulching is used. When choosing a shelter, they take material that will carefully cover the ground. Properly carried out procedure will save the soil from the harmful effects of the sun and retain moisture. Mulch nourishes plantings, protects against adverse weather conditions and diseases.

Where to get mulch material

An effective method of maintaining and keeping plantings he althy is mulching apple trees.

Benefits:

• shelter helps protect land from erosion;
• moisture evaporates more slowly from the top layer;
• improves air exchange and prevents the formation of a crust on the soil surface;
• roots are reliably protected from overheating on hot days, and from freezing in winter;
• good pest protection;
• mulch is a source of carbon dioxide for the apple tree;
• thanks to the covering material, useful soil flora and fauna increase.

For mulching, simple material is used, which is found in every summer cottage or in the forest. This is the easiest way that does not require material costs. Use:

• cut grass;
• sawdust;
• straw;
• pine and spruce needles;
• tree bark;
• bumps.

To make mulch not only perform its functions, but also have a decorative effect, purchase in specialized stores:

• small colorful stones;
• pebbles;
• decorative chips;
• special covering material.

Before you decide on the material of the mulch, you need to figure out which one will bring more benefit to the plant.

Types of mulch and which is better

The trunk circle is mulched with materials:

• inorganic;
• organic.

Most commonly used organic materials:

• Needles. It is suitable for soil with low acidity. Needles help protect the crop from rodents. But the needles contain a large amount of resins that negatively affect the necessary soil processes.
• Wood shavings, sawdust. Helps to hold snow, acidify the soil. But when they decompose, the access of nitrogen to the root system decreases. Therefore, before using the material, it must be mixed with sand, nitrogen fertilizers and aged for two years.

• Mowed grass. Helps improve soil structure, saturate it with carbon. Decaying, it becomes an excellent top dressing for apple trees. Helps to activate the activity of soil microorganisms. Snails often settle in undried grass. The near-stem circle is covered with a green mass with a thin layer, since there is a high probability of the formation of a mucous mass that can burn the root system.
• Sliced nettle. Saturates the culture with nitrogen and potassium. Helps repel snails and slugs. It has an inhibitory effect on pathogenic microorganisms. This type of mulch decomposes quickly.

• Hay. It has a high nutritional value, quickly turns into humus. Saturates the earth with useful substances. Does not allow the soil to become waterlogged. Such mulch attracts rodents, but repels slugs and snails. Under shelter, after the winter period, the apple tree wakes up for a long time, as the straw delays the process of warming up the soil.
• Cardboard, cut paper. They are used for the bottom layer when mulching with fresh grass.
• Chips, bark. They are laid out in the next layer on the compost. Suitable for mulching adult apple trees. Differ in long action. In winter, the root system is well protected. Do not allow slugs to breed. The disadvantage is that during decomposition, nitrogen is taken from the soil.Gives a decorative look to the garden.

• Peat. Helps maintain soil moisture and insulate the root system. During decomposition, it forms a large amount of humus. In extreme heat, it contributes to the formation of a crust and overheating of the root system, worsens the flow of air into the soil.
• Compost. Protects the soil, improves its structure, provides drainage, prevents moisture from evaporating quickly, saturates it with useful elements. This type of mulch has no flaws.
• Decomposed manure. Saturates the soil with a lot of nitrogen. Differs in fast decomposition.

The thicker the mulch layer is, the better the near-trunk circle of the apple tree is protected from weeds.

Inorganic materials perform far fewer functions. These include:

• Plastic film. Helps retain moisture and prevents weeds from growing. The black film helps the soil warm up faster. On hot days, it creates a greenhouse effect, thereby overheating the root system. Makes it difficult to carry out regular feeding. Provokes the reproduction of slugs.
• Agrotextile. Passes air and moisture. Does not allow the soil to overheat. Dark textiles help the earth warm up faster in spring. It is more difficult to carry out root feeding and watering the tree, each time it is necessary to raise the shelter.

• Pebble, stone. Create the right level of humidity. Pass moisture and air. Accumulate heat. Create a beautiful decorative look. Over time, overgrown with weeds.
• Cardboard. Stops weeds from growing. Lets water through. Completely decomposes. On hot days, it draws moisture from the soil. Mold forms under cover and slugs gather.

• Sacking. Does not allow the earth to overheat, passes liquid and air. Does not allow weeds to grow. Poor moisture retention.

Many gardeners use roofing material. But it is not suitable for sheltering apple trees. The material is not breathable, melts from heat and gives off an unpleasant odor.

Do not use fallen leaves from the apple tree, as they may be infected with fungal spores. Such a shelter will harm the plantings and become a source of infection.

When and how to mulch?

When mulching apple trees, follow the recommendations:

1. Spread mulch only on warm ground. The covering material absorbs heat and keeps the ground warm.
2. Cut grass is laid out only in dry weather. In rainy weather, bacteria develop that can damage the bark of apple trees. Dry the herb before use.
3. You can not spread the material close to the trunk. Leave about 10 centimeters around the tree.
4. Lay out the material after watering.

The better to mulch apple trees, each gardener decides for himself. Any material is recommended to be laid out in one layer about 5-7 centimeters.

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