Late Fall Mulching

If you read this blog, you will notice that I will be referencing a lot from the Oregon State Extension Service. (In my first blog post I explained my connection to the Extension Service).

Amy Jo Detweiler is the Horticulture Agent for Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson Counties and has several excellent publications on gardening in Central Oregon.

Today, I am excerpting from/ highlighting her article, "Winter Care of Perennials". Mainly, because it talks about mulch. You can see the entire article here:

https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/flowers-shrubs-trees/winter-care-perennials-central-oregon

Mulch

Regardless of when you cut back your perennials, you’ll want to mulch them for the winter. For most perennials, you should apply 2 to 5 inches of mulch. You can use any kind of mulching material, such as hemlock mulch, pine post peelings, dried grass clippings, etc.

The mulch serves the dual purpose of holding in winter moisture and insulating the root system. Continuous freezing and thawing cycles can damage root tissue and cause root death. That's why it's best to apply mulch after the ground has frozen lightly. The mulch will keep the ground frozen.

Some perennials, however, do better without winter mulch. These plants don't tolerate wet soils and are susceptible to root rot or losing their centers.

On the other hand, some perennials are very tender and require extra winter mulch—5 inches or more.

Here at Instant Landscaping we have hemlock mulch, both in bulk (1/4 yard minimum for pickup) and also in handy 2 cu ft. bags. If you need a bulk delivery please give us a call!