How can you mulch an apple tree, organic and inorganic materials, cut grass
To improve the characteristics of the soil and maintain the quality of the soil around the trees, apple mulching is used. When choosing a shelter, they take material that will gently cover the ground. Properly performed, the procedure will keep the soil from the harmful effects of the sun and retain moisture. Mulch nourishes plantings, protects against adverse weather conditions and diseases.
Where to get material for mulch
An effective method of maintaining and keeping plantings healthy is apple mulching.
Benefits:
- the shelter helps protect the land from erosion;
- moisture evaporates more slowly from the upper layer;
- improves air exchange and prevents the formation of a crust on the soil surface;
- the roots are reliably protected from overheating on hot days, and in winter from freezing;
- good pest protection;
- mulch - a source of carbon dioxide for the apple tree;
- thanks to the covering material, the useful soil flora and fauna increases.
For mulching, a simple material is used, which is available at every summer cottage or in the forest. This is the simplest way that does not require material costs. Use:
- cut grass;
- sawdust;
- straw;
- pine and spruce needles;
- bark of trees;
- bumps.
In order for mulch not only to fulfill its functions, but also to have a decorative effect, they are purchased in specialized stores:
- small multi-colored stones;
- sea pebbles;
- decorative chips;
- special covering material.
Before deciding on the mulch material, you need to figure out which one will bring more benefits to the plant.
Types of mulch and which is better
The trunk circle is mulched using materials:
- inorganic;
- organic.
The most commonly used organic materials:
- Needles. It is suitable for soils with low acidity. The needles help protect the crop from rodents. But the needles contain a large amount of resins, which negatively affect the necessary soil processes.
- Wood shavings, sawdust. They help to retain snow, acidify the soil. But when they decompose, nitrogen access to the root system decreases. Therefore, before using the material, it is necessary to mix it with sand, nitrogen fertilizers and let it stand for two years.
- Mown grass. Helps to improve soil structure, saturate it with carbon. Decomposing becomes great top dressing for apple trees... Helps to activate the activity of soil microorganisms. Snails often live in undried grass.With a green mass, the trunk circle is covered with a thin layer, since there is a high probability of the formation of a mucous mass that can burn the root system.
- Sliced nettles. Saturates the culture with nitrogen and potassium. Helps repel snails and slugs. It has a suppressive effect on pathogenic microorganisms. This type of mulch decomposes quickly.
- Hay. It has a high nutritional value and is quickly converted into humus. Saturates the earth with useful substances. Prevents the soil from becoming waterlogged. This mulch attracts rodents, but scares away slugs and snails. Under the shelter, after the winter period, the apple tree wakes up for a long time, since the straw delays the process of heating the soil.
- Cardboard, cut paper. They are used for the bottom layer when mulching with fresh grass.
- Chips, bark. They are laid out in the next layer on the compost. Suitable for mulching adult apple trees. They have a long-lasting effect. Protects the root system well in winter. Do not allow slugs to breed. The disadvantage is that nitrogen is taken from the soil during decomposition. They give a decorative look to the garden.
- Peat. Helps maintain soil moisture and insulate the root system. During decomposition, forms a large amount of humus. In extreme heat, it contributes to the formation of a crust and overheating of the root system, worsens the flow of air into the soil.
- Compost. Protects the soil, improves its structure, provides drainage, does not allow moisture to quickly evaporate, saturates with useful elements. This type of mulch has no disadvantages.
- Rotted manure. Saturates the soil with a lot of nitrogen. Differs in fast decomposition.
The thicker the layer of mulch is, the better the apple tree trunk circle is protected from weeds.
Inorganic materials do much less work. These include:
- Polyethylene film. Helps maintain moisture and prevents weeds from growing. The black film helps the soil to warm up faster. On hot days, it creates a greenhouse effect, thereby overheating the root system. It makes it difficult to carry out regular feeding. It provokes the reproduction of slugs.
- Agrotextile. Air and moisture permeable. Prevents the soil from overheating. Dark textiles help the ground warm up faster in spring. It is more difficult to carry out root dressing and watering of the tree, each time it is necessary to raise the shelter.
- Pebbles, stone. Create a suitable moisture level. They are permeable to moisture and air. They accumulate heat. They create a beautiful decorative look. Over time, overgrown with weeds.
- Cardboard. Prevents weeds from growing. Leaks water. Decomposes completely. On hot days, it draws moisture from the soil. Mold forms under the shelter and slugs collect.
- Sackcloth. Does not allow the ground to overheat, allows liquid and air to pass through. Prevents weeds from growing. Poor moisture retention.
Many gardeners use roofing felt. But he is not suitable for sheltering apple trees. The material does not allow air to pass through, melts from heat and emits an unpleasant odor.
Do not use fallen leaves from the apple tree, as they can be infected with fungal spores. Such a shelter will harm the plantings and become a source of infection.
When and how to mulch?
When mulching apple trees, follow the recommendations:
- Spread the mulch only on the heated ground. The covering material absorbs heat and prevents the ground from warming up.
- The cut grass is spread only in dry weather. In rainy weather, bacteria develop that can damage the bark of apple trees. Dry the grass before use.
- Do not lay the material close to the trunk. Leave about 10 centimeters around the tree.
- Lay out the material after watering.
The better to mulch the apple trees, each gardener decides for himself. It is recommended to lay out any material in one layer about 5-7 centimeters.
