Q. How do I mulch in preparation for the winter?     

A. There are some things to remember when preparing to mulch for the upcoming winter months. If you mulched in the spring, check to see how much mulch is left. If needed, add more mulch to a depth of 2 to 3 inches. Do not let the mulch touch the trunks of trees and shrubs. This leads to moisture accumulation around the base of the plants and can lead to rotting. It also provides shelter to rodents, which can cause damage to woody plants in the winter months. Add the mulch once the ground is frozen, not before. Mulching helps to maintain an even soil temperature by reducing the freezing and thawing cycles that can heave perennials out of the ground and cause plants to die.                   

Please contact Plant Information Service at (847) 835-0972 or Click here to show mail address for more detailed information.