cite needed: who said don't mulch root balls?

[cerviarborist]

Re: cite needed: who said don\'t mulch root balls?

Check page 13 for a brief rundown of another mulch/root ball study, recently completed.

http://www.floridaisa.org/pdf/2012%20Summer.pdf

Root balls don't lose an appreciable amount of water through evaporation, whether mulched or not. They lose it through transpiration.

Interesting that some mulch apparently has a specific gravity greater than that of water. All the mulch I've ever seen floats away in flooding conditions sufficient to cause erosion.

 

[guymayor]

Re: cite needed: who said don\'t mulch root balls?

"Given the
negligible reduction in evaporation, and reported disadvantages of mulch application close to the trunk, landscape managers might consider avoiding thick mulch
applications on the top surface of the root ball."

No arguments with that conclusion, except to say there are NO disadvantages of proper mulch application close to the trunk. There are only disadvantages of mulch application ON the trunk.

Also, landscape managers are not warned about avoiding thin mulch applications on the top surface of the root ball.

Also, evaporation is only 1 reason to mulch over roots. Less temp etc. stress on the roots, more bioactivity...

So, it depends.

 

[RopeShield]

Re: cite needed: who said don\'t mulch root balls?

Dependent on the species, the mulch and the level or levels of decay.

Plant growth and organic matter are one and the same.

Tree roots grow well in mulch.

Water can be retained under mulch and also excessive=clay but also beneficial as to provide a place for root respiration

Air in mulch is usually more acceptable for root growth. darker, wet and cool

pH is usaually better for root growth

Mulch is mimicking a forest floor as long as the mulch is right for the species and all the levels of decay are present.

So much to consider but in general it is more beneficial than harmful.

We propogated trees in mulch. The most crucial point of a seedling or cuttings life with great success.
Decomposing mulch is also a source of extra CO2 and that is good ask the Hydroweed producers.

Much much mulch more! Organic matter equals plant growth!

Mulch the ball so it won't promote girdling roots, root or stem rot.
Soil, species, h2o, and type of mulch are your variables to consider.
Everything in life is about moderation. To much or to little should be based on observations.

I mulch heavey in porous soils and lil less in clay.

Hope this helps and if it doesn't a good Soils text can be found in almost any Used Book store in a Agri University city.

Presettlement North America the leaf litter and debris on a forest floor could be upto 6' thick.
I think it is better to be on the thick side and have plants adjust than it is for a plant to die because of insufficient amount and die.

Starving to death is far worse an experience than over feed if you considr the extremes.
What do you think?

 

[mdvaden]

Re: cite needed: who said don\'t mulch root balls?

[ QUOTE ]
Check page 13 for a brief rundown of another mulch/root ball study, recently completed.

http://www.floridaisa.org/pdf/2012%20Summer.pdf

Root balls don't lose an appreciable amount of water through evaporation, whether mulched or not. They lose it through transpiration.

Interesting that some mulch apparently has a specific gravity greater than that of water. All the mulch I've ever seen floats away in flooding conditions sufficient to cause erosion.

[/ QUOTE ]

I use a big shower head to water mulch on newly planted stuff. Washes bare soil right away.

Bark mulch though ... stays put for the more part. Medium Douglas fir.

Sounds like our mulch is different ... or BETTER - lol.