Organic mulches have the advantage of being inexpensive, but may cause nitrogen deficiency that may have to be addressed by fertilizer. Organic mulches also tend to keep soil temperatures lower, although this is not generally a problem. Finally, proper selection of organic mulches will minimize rodent damage to the tree planting. Plastic mulches, help conserve moisture and provide longer lasting control of weeds around shelterbelt trees. The plastic is laid down over the soil around the trees to prevent weed growth and to conserve moisture.
Plastic mulches require special equipment to apply, but require relatively little follow-up work.
Both organic and inorganic mulches require some weed control after initial application. Weeds will grow up along the edge of the mulch and occasionally where the trees penetrate the mulch. These weeds should either be mowed or sprayed to control their growth. The attached wildlife planting designs for pivot corners were planned keeping pheasants in mind as the target wildlife species. Figure 1. and Figure 2.