Q. I have been replacing gravel with wood mulch and I
have to put the gravel someplace. What thickness of gravel can I place around
the plants, none at the trunk, without causing damage? Also, what is the maximum amount of wood
mulch can be place around plants without being detrimental to the plant?
have to put the gravel someplace. What thickness of gravel can I place around
the plants, none at the trunk, without causing damage? Also, what is the maximum amount of wood
mulch can be place around plants without being detrimental to the plant?
A. The depth of rock mulch depends on the size of the
rock; the larger the rock used the deeper rock mulch can be applied. Roots need
to “breathe” so there must be an exchange of gases between the roots and the
air. This happens through the pore spaces in the soil.
rock; the larger the rock used the deeper rock mulch can be applied. Roots need
to “breathe” so there must be an exchange of gases between the roots and the
air. This happens through the pore spaces in the soil.
 |
| Rock of a larger size can be used as mulch and applied more deeply than smaller rock |
Generally
speaking, rock mulch is applied somewhere between 2 to 4 inches deep. If this
rock mulch contains “minus” material (e.g., 1/2 inch minus, ¼ inch minus) then
apply 2 to 3 inches. If the rock mulch does not contain minus material then
apply it 4 inches or more.
speaking, rock mulch is applied somewhere between 2 to 4 inches deep. If this
rock mulch contains “minus” material (e.g., 1/2 inch minus, ¼ inch minus) then
apply 2 to 3 inches. If the rock mulch does not contain minus material then
apply it 4 inches or more.
Course
mulch without minus material can be applied right up to the trunk. Rock mulch
with minus material should not.
mulch without minus material can be applied right up to the trunk. Rock mulch
with minus material should not.
Most
information out there tells us not to apply more than 3 to 4 inches of wood
chip mulch around trees and shrubs. Where this recommended depth came from I
don’t know but it is repeated over and over.
information out there tells us not to apply more than 3 to 4 inches of wood
chip mulch around trees and shrubs. Where this recommended depth came from I
don’t know but it is repeated over and over.
I have
no problems applying 6 inches of wood chip mulch or more around trees and
shrubs provided this mulch is kept away from the trunk of the plant a distance
of 12 inches during its first four or five years of growth.
no problems applying 6 inches of wood chip mulch or more around trees and
shrubs provided this mulch is kept away from the trunk of the plant a distance
of 12 inches during its first four or five years of growth.