This period last year had 19 inches accumulated. As a result, many soils are dryer than normal for this time of year. This could mean serious drought conditions for gardens this next season. Mulching the soil now will keep more moisture in the soil longer into the growing season. Mulch will also hold water near where it falls, allowing better soaking into the soil when it rains.
Coarse materials are best.
Arboretum staff are currently applying woodchip mulch to areas newly planted over the last few years, as well as established plantings that are prone to drying out in the summer. Mulch also improves soil structure and fertility, promoting good root growth, further strengthening plants against drought and other stress. Weed control is another important way to conserve soil moisture, as heavy weed growth can compete with landscape plants for water. The winter mulch will also help suppress spring weed growth. It is an invasive, non-native plant, which threatens many natural environments as well as cultivated landscapes.