Mulch or Not to Mulch

[debodun]

I've heard theories on both sides. Some say that mulch protects roots of plants from winter kill. Others say it smothers the plants. What say you?

 

[Don M.]

It depends upon the "thickness" of the mulch. If you just grind up some tree leaves in the yard with the mower, they should be chopped up fine enough to rot out during the Winter, and provide some nutrients for the soil by Spring. However, if you pile up several inches of leaves/mulch onto a given area, that will probably result in the grass dying out, and being replaced with weeds.

 

[debodun]

I have a lilac bush that has about a foot deep unchopped maple leaves around the base. Good or bad.

 

[Don M.]

I have a lilac bush that has about a foot deep unchopped maple leaves around the base. Good or bad.

I'd leave those leaves where they are. They will kill out any grass/weeds that may be growing around the lilac, then next Spring you can rake the remains away and spread them a bit to dry out, and run over what is left with the mower.