Tilling in Mulch

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donalddross Huntsville, AL Jun 07, 2006

I just had 5 large Sycamore trees cut down and have a lot of shreaded mulch left. Is this good to till into new beds?

Thanks, Donnie

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Horseshoe Efland, NC(Zone 7a) Jun 08, 2006

Nope. Especially if you're planning on planting in those beds any time soon.

When fresh mulch is tilled into the ground/soil, during its decaying process not only does it heat up (thereby killing root growth of plants but also running off earthworms and other microbial bacteria) but it will rob the soil of Nitrogen during that decaying process.

Once the mulch is broken down it will offer that "stolen" Nitrogen back to the soil for plants to use.

What you might find most useful at this point is to use the mulch as just that, Mulch, meaning above ground usage around established plants. This will conserve moisture in the soil, block weed growth/germination, and also not steak nitrogen from your plants.

If you have an area that will not be planted any time soon you could certainly till the mulch in, let it heat up, break down, and in a few months to a year (depending on the weather, the soil conditions, etc) you'd have a mighty fine piece of ground to work with.

Hope this is helpful!

Shoe

Post #2365132
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donalddross Huntsville, AL Jun 08, 2006

Thanks , Thats what I needed to know. Donnie

Post #2365820
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Horseshoe Efland, NC(Zone 7a) Jun 08, 2006

And Donnie, I don't remember every offering you a

HEARTY WELCOME TO DG!

See you around the site!

Shoe.

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