Mulching: what is it and when is the best time to do it?
What is Mulching?
Mulching means covering the soil with organic matter. Consider, for example, shredded grass, leaves, compost, wood residues or tree bark. In this blog we tell you what the advantages and disadvantages of mulching are, when you can best mulch, how thick the layer should be and which machines you can use best. This way your garden will be ready for every season.
Mulching means covering the soil with organic material. Mulching is often mentioned in the same breath as mowing grass that can be left lying around, because it is finely chopped by the lawnmower's blade. However, a mulch layer can also consist of garden residues such as shredded leaves, compost, wood residues or tree bark. You often see these mulch layers in flower and plant beds or walkways.
In this blog we tell you more about the advantages and disadvantages of mulching when mowing grass. We also discuss when to mulch, the optimal thickness of the mulch layer and which machines are best to use for mulching.
Organic materials as food for the soil
Garden scraps are organic materials and are full of valuable nutrients. When mulching, the garden residues make the nutrients available to the soil again. It protects your garden against cold and heat. In addition, you have less full waste bags with grass and garden residues. A valuable, natural intervention.
When is the best time to mulch?
In principle, mulching grass can be done all year round, but to prevent soil suffocation it is important that it is verticuted regularly.
Mulch the soil around plants preferably once in the fall and once in the spring. Always do this on moist soil. In winter, mulching protects against the cold, because the frost penetrates less into the soil. And during heavy rain showers, the soil does not close up due to mulching. In the summer, a mulch layer protects against drying out during warm, sunny periods. The mulch layer ensures that the moisture is absorbed less quickly. Your garden also needs less water as a result. A great way to limit water consumption in the Netherlands. Grass mulching can be done throughout the mowing season.
The benefits of mulching:
- It protects the soil in summer from drying out during sunny periods
- It protects the soil from cold and frost in winter
- Less water wastage – moisture is better retained in the soil
- Less trouble with weeds and moss growth
- No more full waste bags with grass and garden waste
The disadvantages of mulching:
- Large amounts of mulching material can choke the lawn
- A maximum of grass with a length of 2.5 to 4 cm may be mowed. This is fine enough to compost quickly
- The shredded garden debris can spread more quickly in your garden
How thick should the layer be?
In general, the finer the mulch, the thinner the layer. If you use grass, we recommend a maximum thickness of 5 centimeters of thin layers. Try to prevent the mulch layer from being too thick, as mold can develop.
How does mulching work with a mulching mower?
A mulching mower mows the grass and then shreds it into fine particles. These particles are evenly pressed into your lawn by the airflow. The leftover shreds are packed with nutrients. An additional advantage is that full compost bins with grass and garden residues are a thing of the past. Mow the grass when it is not too damp.
Additional tip
Don't let the grass on your lawn grow too long, or the mulch layer will become too thick and rot. Too late to mow? Collect the mowed grass first or rake it together for smaller surfaces.
Machines for mulching
Below we tell you more about machines that you can use for mulching, so that you can continue to enjoy your lawn to the fullest.
Mulching mowers
Mulching mowers are designed to cut your grass short and small. You can actually think of it as a lawnmower with mulching function. This means that the mowed grass is immediately spread as nutrition for your lawn. This means a reduction of your fertilizer, less garden waste and the rake can remain in your shed.
An overview of mulching mowers
A standard mulch option is not necessary, because various Stihl mowers can be used with one mulch kit nevertheless be provided with a mulching function. For example the Stihl RMA 339 cordless mower with mulching option and the Stihl RMA 448 Cordless Mower with Mulching Option .
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Ours too ride-on mowers from Stihl and John Deere can mulch. If it is not standard, a mulching function is optionally possible. This way you can also leave your grass on larger lawns and collecting is no longer necessary.
shredder
Autumn is the ideal season to prune the garden. With a shredder you can turn the pruning waste, such as branches, into perfect mulching material. Sprinkle it over your ornamental or vegetable garden and your garden is ready for the colder temperatures.
Branch shredders are not only available for professionals, but of course also for private use. Both petrol powered and electric with a cable.
Scarifiers
A scarifier is indispensable to keep your lawn in the right condition. It prevents the grass from getting too little air or becoming clogged up by dead grass or moss. Immediately scarifier keeps your grass in top condition.
Any questions about mulching? We are happy to help!
Hopefully, after reading our blog, you know everything about mulching. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Contact us For more information.
