Author: Dianne DeLongchamps
Should I mulch my flower beds in the fall?
Yes, mulching flower beds in the fall is worth doing in Fort Collins. Colorado State University Extension’s PlantTalk Colorado says to apply mulch several inches thick after the ground freezes, because it keeps soil temperatures steadier over winter. Choose coarse, loose material such as shredded leaves, since dense mats can cause mildew and mold.
Clean Air Lawn Care offers bed refresh and mulch in Fort Collins, Windsor, and Timnath. We also prefer to mulch leaves because it is great for the soil.
What does mulch do for a flower bed?
Mulch does several jobs at once. CSU’s PlantTalk Colorado page Organic Mulches says that “Mulches save water in the garden because they reduce evaporation from the soil surface,” and that “Mulches reduce weed-growth around plants.” The same page says that “Mulches also control temperatures around plants.” The page adds that mulch improves water penetration and reduces soil crusting.
What does fall mulch protect against?
CSU’s PlantTalk Colorado explains in Organic Mulches that mulch applied after the ground freezes protects plants from winter drying and frost heaving. The Perennials: Winterizing page describes the winter drying problem in more detail: snowless winters can dry out plants, so a thick, coarse, loose layer of mulch helps hold moisture while still letting air reach the roots. It also says to avoid mulches that pack down.
What should I use to mulch flower beds in fall?
CSU’s PlantTalk Colorado page Perennials: Winterizing names two choices: “Shredded leaves from deciduous trees and pine boughs from discarded Christmas trees offer great winter protection.” It also says a good organic compost works well and can be used as a soil amendment in the spring.
Shredding leaves with a mower is covered in our post on whether to rake, mulch, or bag fallen leaves, which also explains what to do with leaves you remove.
What makes a good mulch?
CSU’s PlantTalk Colorado describes the qualities of a good mulch on its Organic Mulches page. A good mulch resists compaction, lets air and water move through it, breaks down slowly, stays in place rather than blowing away, and is free of weeds. The page also compares organic mulches with rock: organic mulches stay cooler than rock in full sun, while rock absorbs heat and re-radiates it to nearby plants.
Should I put fabric under the mulch?
The Organic Mulches page says some people prefer spun or woven landscape fabric under wood chips or gravel, and that, unlike solid sheet plastic, which is no longer recommended, these materials promote air and water exchange within the soil.
How deep should the mulch be?
The answer depends on the material and the job. For winter protection of established perennials and bulbs, the Perennials: Winterizing page calls for “A layer of mulch several inches thick.” For weed control, the Organic Mulches page says that “Organic mulches, such as wood chips, must be three to four inches thick to effectively keep weeds down.”
The Winterizing page also describes the texture to aim for: coarse and loose, because dense mats can cause mildew and mold. The Organic Mulches page adds that organic mulch eventually breaks down, so it needs replacing after several years.
When is the right time to put mulch down?
The Winterizing page says to apply mulch “after the ground freezes” for established perennials and bulbs, because it keeps soil temperatures steadier over winter.
The same page also warns that mulch should not be removed too early in spring, or plants will begin to grow too early.
If your flower beds need attention before the ground freezes, please reach out.
Clean Air Lawn Care Northern Colorado is owned by Dianne, Paul, and Luke DeLongchamps — a family business serving Fort Collins, Windsor, and Timnath with organic lawn treatments and solar-powered electric equipment.
