By Anita Gall, Nebraska Extension Master Gardener
Why mulch in the fall? Fall and winter mulch isn’t to keep the ground from freezing but to keep it from alternately freezing and thawing. Frost heaving can cause exposure of roots and bulbs, which can injure the plants. On roses the graft union needs to be protected or the graft may be killed during freezing winter temperatures. Mulch also retains moisture that is extremely important on newly planted ornamentals because of their limited root system they are more susceptible to damage.