To improve soil characteristics and maintain the quality of the soil around trees, apple tree mulching is used. When choosing a shelter, take material that will carefully cover the ground. A correctly carried out procedure will protect the soil from the harmful effects of the sun and retain moisture. Mulch nourishes plants and protects them from adverse weather conditions and diseases.
Where to get material for mulch
An effective method of maintaining and keeping plantings healthy is mulching apple trees.
Advantages:
- shelter helps protect the ground from erosion;
- moisture evaporates more slowly from the top layer;
- air exchange improves and the formation of crust on the soil surface is prevented;
- the roots are reliably protected from overheating on hot days, and from freezing in winter;
- good protection against pests;
- mulch is a source of carbon dioxide for the apple tree;
- Thanks to the covering material, beneficial soil flora and fauna increases.
For mulching, simple material is used, which is found in every summer cottage or in the forest. This is the simplest method that does not require material costs. Use:
- cut grass;
- sawdust;
- straw;
- pine and spruce needles;
- tree bark;
- bumps.
To ensure that the mulch not only fulfills its functions, but also has a decorative effect, it is purchased in specialized stores:
- small multi-colored pebbles;
- sea pebbles;
- decorative wood 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 tree trunk circle is mulched using the following materials:
- inorganic;
- organic.
The most commonly used organic materials are:
- Needles. It is suitable for soil with low acidity. 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 retain snow and acidify the soil. But as they decompose, the access of nitrogen to the root system decreases. Therefore, before using the material, it is necessary to mix it with sand, nitrogen fertilizers and let it sit for two years.
- Mown grass. Helps improve soil structure and saturate it with carbon. Decomposing, becomes excellent fertilizer for apple trees. Helps activate the activity of soil microorganisms.Snails often live in undried grass. The tree trunk circle is covered with a thin layer of green mass, since there is a high probability of the formation of a slimy mass that can burn the root system.
- Chopped nettle. Saturates the crop with nitrogen and potassium. Helps repel snails and slugs. Has a suppressive effect on pathogenic microorganisms. This type of mulch decomposes quickly.
- Hay. It is highly nutritious and quickly turns into humus. Saturates the earth with useful substances. Does not allow the soil to become waterlogged. This mulch attracts rodents, but repels slugs and snails. Under shelter, after the winter period, the apple tree wakes up for a long time, since the straw delays the process of warming up 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 compost. Suitable for mulching adult apple trees. They have a long-lasting effect. In winter, the root system is well protected. Don't let slugs breed. The disadvantage is that nitrogen is taken from the soil during decomposition. Give a decorative look to the garden.
- Peat. Helps maintain soil moisture and insulate the root system. During decomposition it forms a large amount of humus. In extreme heat, it promotes crust formation and overheating of the root system, and impairs the flow of air into the soil.
- Compost. Protects the soil, improves its structure, provides drainage, prevents moisture from evaporating quickly, and saturates it with useful elements. This type of mulch has no identified disadvantages.
- Rotted manure. Saturates the soil with a large amount of nitrogen. Characterized by rapid decomposition.
The thicker the layer of mulch, the better the tree trunk is protected from weeds.
Inorganic materials perform much fewer functions. These include:
- Polyethylene film. Helps maintain moisture and prevents weeds from growing. The black film helps the soil warm up faster. On hot days it creates a greenhouse effect, thereby overheating the root system. Makes regular feeding difficult. Provokes the reproduction of slugs.
- Agrotextiles. Permeates air and moisture. Prevents the soil from overheating. Dark textiles help the earth warm up faster in spring. It is more difficult to carry out root feeding and watering of the tree; each time you need to raise the shelter.
- Pebble, stone. Create a suitable level of humidity. Permeable to moisture and air. They accumulate heat. Create a beautiful decorative look. Over time they become overgrown with weeds.
- Cardboard. Prevents weeds from growing. Lets water through. Completely decomposes. On hot days it draws moisture from the soil. Mold forms under the shelter and slugs gather.
- Sackcloth. It prevents the earth from overheating and allows liquid and air to pass through. Prevents weeds from growing. Poorly retains moisture.
Many gardeners use roofing felt. But it is not suitable for covering apple trees. The material does not allow air to pass through, melts in the heat and emits an unpleasant odor.
You should not use fallen leaves from the apple tree, as they may be contaminated 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 mulch only on heated soil. The covering material absorbs heat and prevents the ground from warming up.
- Mown grass is laid out only in dry weather.In rainy weather, bacteria develop that can damage the bark of apple trees. The herb is dried before use.
- Do not lay material close to the trunk. Leave about 10 centimeters around the tree.
- Lay out the material after watering.
The best way to mulch apple trees is up to each gardener to decide for himself. It is recommended to lay out any material in one layer of about 5-7 centimeters.
