Mulch has many uses around the garden, and homeowners can make use of it in any season.
The last two weeks have been a storm of wild weather. Temperatures have fluctuated from single digits to the mid-60s and back again, with rain, wind, and ice scattered throughout. These harsh weather conditions have likely put you, your home, and your plants through the wringer. While many winter-hardy trees, shrubs, and bulbs are dormant or can otherwise withstand these extremes, other sensitive plants may not be so lucky. Fortunately, homeowners and landscaping professionals alike have a wide range of solutions to help them protect plants that may not fare well through Maryland’s erratic weather. Mulching is standard practice for a whole host of reasons, and Lehnhoff’s Supply has high-quality wood mulch that will keep you (and your plants) covered.
Benefits of Mulch When Overwintering Plants
During the cold winter months, gardeners can use mulch to prevent drastic temperature fluctuations in the soil. A substantial layer of insulation can help keep sensitive plants from succumbing to freezing temperatures. Mulch has many uses around the garden, and homeowners can make use of it in any season. In the summer, mulch can keep moisture locked into the soil by minimizing evaporation. It can also keep soil cool by providing a layer of insulation between the dirt and the warm summer air. While mulch’s ability to provide insulation is a significant benefit for plants during the winter, it has other perks. Mulch is used as a pest deterrent year-round, and a thick layer of wood or stone mulch can help keep weeds at bay.
Winter Mulching Isn’t Unusual
Spring and fall are typically the most common times for mulching, but some homeowners find themselves applying mulch in the summer and winter months, too. Winter mulching often occurs when homeowners realize that their plants may not be getting the insulation they need, or perhaps they’re just getting around to replacing old mulch.
Types of Mulch to Consider
Wood and stone mulches each have pros and cons — the right material for you depends on your maintenance abilities, plant fertilizer requirements, pest concerns, budget, and aesthetic considerations. However, if insulating your plants in the winter is your sole objective, shredded wood mulch is likely the best choice. Wood offers far more insulation than stone, and dark stones can absorb too much sunlight in the summer, baking your plants at the roots. Regardless of the type of mulch you’re looking for, visit Lehnhoff’s Supply online or in-store to explore our mulch offerings!
Questions? Lehnhoff’s Supply is Here to Help
If you still have more questions about how to best prepare your landscape or garden for winter or spring, the trained professionals at Lehnhoff’s Supply are here to help you.
Find us at 2708 Belair Road, Fallston, MD 21047 and give us a call at 410-510-7646. For tips, tricks, and to see what we have been up to, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!
We serve but aren’t limited to, the following parts of Maryland: Harford County – Fallston, Forest Hill, Joppa, Edgewood, Bel Air, Churchville, Havre de Grace, Jarrettsville, Street, Aberdeen, Abingdon, and Joppatowne. In Baltimore County: Kingsville, Perry Hall, Overlea, Fullerton, Nottingham, Parkville, Towson, Carney, Loch Raven, Lutherville, Timonium, Hunt Valley, Cockeysville, Sparks, Glyndon, Pikesville, Reisterstown, Ruxton, Parkton, Glen Arm, Baldwin, Monkton, Long Green, White Marsh, Rosedale, Phoenix, and Fork.
