Mulch

Mulches help conserve moisture, moderate soil temperature and control weeds around trees and shrubs. They are placed on the soil surface over the tree or shrub root system. Either organic or inorganic mulches may be used. Organic mulches may be composed of bark or wood chips, straw, partially decomposed leaves or other materials. They should be applied 3 to 4 inches deep. Maintain a 4 to 6 inch mulch-free area adjacent to the woody stems. Inorganic mulches include plastic, crushed rock, woven fabric, and other materials. Solid plastic mulches may impede or prevent root development because they do not allow air or moisture to move into or out of the soil from above. Occasionally, when soil is poorly drained, mulch should not be used.   BEWARE PET OWNERS - Cocoa Mulch is a garden mulch made with chocolate.  It may be toxic to your dog or cat and should not be used in your garden if you have a pet.

Pruning may be required when transplanting trees or shrubs. The amount of pruning depends on the size of the root ball and plant canopy, health of the plant, and the species transplanted. Insect infested stems or those infected with disease should be removed during transplanting. Any broken stems should be removed as well. Additional pruning of shrubs may be required to balance the leaf area with the reduced size of the root system, but further pruning of deciduous trees should be postponed for at least one year after transplanting. Pruning of conifers should be limited to diseased, insect infested, and broken limbs. If additional pruning of conifers is necessary, it should be limited to one-year-old wood whenever possible. Late season plantings may require additional pruning since the plants have less time to become established before winter than those planted earlier in the season.