By Debbie Post, University of Nebraska Extension Master Gardener.Â
Mulching helps our gardens, trees, and flower beds with weed control, conserving moisture, and reducing erosion and water runoff. Organic mulch such as straw, grass clippings, or wood chips are much preferred over materials like plastic or rubber. Use 2-4 inches of mulch material and make sure to leave the base of your tree or plant more open resulting in a concave bowl shape versus a volcano-shaped mound. Too much mulch and you will suffocate your plant as oxygen and water are unable to reach the roots.