Mulching Materials for Bruce County’s Climate

Mulch is a thick layer of material placed over the soil and around plants, used to suppress weeds and lock moisture into the soil while acting as a physical barrier to drying winds and direct sun (BBC Gardeners' World Magazine, 2021). Given the unique climate and diverse soil conditions in Bruce County, selecting the right and best mulch is important for a strong and healthy garden that is appropriate for the needs of the plants and the local environment. There are many materials you can use for this purpose; the only types you should ever consider using in your garden are those from natural and biodegradable materials. Wood chips, pine bark, leaves, straw, grass clippings – these are all examples of beneficial mulch because they decompose and provide many more benefits to your soil (Lamp’l, 2019).  

Wood Chips

Wood chips are shredded, chipped, or ground-up pieces of wood. It sometimes includes bark, branches, and leaves (Kraus, 2021). Wood chips are a great option for gardens in Bruce County because they regulate temperature and provide durable ground cover during harsh winters. Throughout the winter months, mulched plants often have warmer root systems, enabling them to withstand colder conditions much more readily. A thick layer of wood chips applied in the fall can be the factor that keeps your plants from severe weather damage (Jay, 2024). However, it’s important not to pile them against plant trunks, as piling mulch too high and covering a tree's trunk, also known as “volcano mulching,” can cause decay. Moisture builds up, and that excess moisture between the trunk and mulch volcano creates perfect conditions for wood decay diseases like fungi (Why You Need to Keep Mulch Away from Tree Trunks, 2022).

Pine Needles (Pine Straw)

Pine needles are slightly acidic, which can benefit acid-loving plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, blueberries, and camellias. Although their impact on soil pH is minimal, using pine needles as mulch can help maintain the optimal pH level for these plants (The Benefits of Using Pine Needles for Mulch in Your Garden, 2024). Their mild acidity complements Bruce County's naturally varying soil pH, but it's a good idea to test the soil occasionally. They keep moisture locked in and soil temperature cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Unlike other types of mulch, they won’t need to be replaced very often as they are slow to decompose. But if you live in a region prone to wildfires, you should rake up fallen pine needles, which are highly flammable (Winston, 2021).

Straw

For vegetable gardens in Bruce County, where warm, humid summers need regular soil hydration, straw is very handy. Straw garden mulch is a popular garden mulch that comes from the stems of grains (e.g., wheat, oats, etc). It keeps moisture in the soil for longer periods, preventing cool-season crops from bolting during hot weather. Straw also provides warmth and moisture for early spring and late fall grass seed applications. Consistent root development is helped by its ability to prevent rapid temperature fluctuations. It also protects grass from damage caused by heavy rain, overwatering, strong winds, and birds. Straw composts and returns important nutrients to the soil, improving fertility (Stoltzfus, 2024). 

Leaf Mulch

Leaf mulch is abundant and useful, particularly during Bruce County's autumn season. Leaf mulch is simply leaves used as an organic mulch that covers your topsoil. If you take a walk in the woods, you'll notice that Mother Nature uses leaves to mulch the ground underneath shrubs and trees naturally. In fact, did you know that leaves contain 50 to 80% of the nutrients that are extracted from the earth by tree roots? Recycling this precious resource to replenish the soil will nourish all that is planted in it. As the leaves break down, they feed the soil with organic matter and essential nutrients, helping to retain moisture and improve soil structure. This natural mulch also aerates the soil for easy spring seed germination. It prevents leaf piles from washing into drains and ditches during rain, reducing runoff and erosion. Best of all, it puts a free, renewable resource to good use in a sustainable way (Lambton, n.d.).

Expert Landscape and Garden Maintenance

Using the right mulch enhances plant health and reduces maintenance all year. Select mulch based on plant needs and local conditions for a thriving landscape. Let And-Rod Landscaping and Gardens offer you peace of mind when it comes to your outdoor spaces. We specialize in Bruce County's landscape maintenance, including garden care, spring and fall clean-ups, naturalized landscaping, new garden design and installs, and more. From mulching, cultivating, and weeding to fertilizing, grass repair, cutting, and seasonal planters, our knowledgeable and educated landscape team creates low-maintenance yet stunning gardens. Contact us today!

Works Cited:

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. (2021, January 25). Mulches and mulching. Gardeners World. https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/maintain-the-garden/mulches-and-mulching/

Jay, S. (2024, August 06). The Pros and Cons of Wood Chip Mulch. Epic Gardening. https://www.epicgardening.com/wood-chip-mulch/

Kraus, A. (2021, March 22). FAQS About Using Wood Chip Mulch In Your Northeast Ohio Yard. Independent Tree. https://www.independenttree.com/wood-chips-mulch/

Lambton, C. (n.d.). Leaf Mulch: Nature's Gift to Gardeners. Fiskars. https://www.fiskars.com/en-us/gardening-and-yard-care/ideas-and-how-tos/planting-and-prep/leaf-mulch

Lamp’l, J. (2019, June 27). 110-Why Mulch Matters in Every Garden: What You Need to Know. Joe Gardener. https://joegardener.com/podcast/110-why-mulch-matters/

Stoltzfus, J. (2024, October 10). Straw Garden Mulch: The Ultimate Guide. Blue Mountain Hay. https://www.bluemountainhay.com/blog/straw-garden-mulch/

The Benefits of Using Pine Needles for Mulch in Your Garden. (2024, May 21). The Celtic Farm. https://www.thecelticfarm.com/pine-needles-as-mulch/

Why You Need to Keep Mulch Away from Tree Trunks. (2022, May 10). Davey Blog. https://blog.davey.com/why-you-need-to-keep-mulch-away-from-tree-trunks/

Winston, F. (2021, December 23). Your First Garden: The Free Mulch You May Already Have on Your Property. Gardenista. https://www.gardenista.com/posts/pine-needles-straw-mulch-pros-cons/