If you own or manage property that needs maintenance, you may be considering forestry mulching, an efficient way to optimize growth and manage soil health. Forestry mulching is a form of land clearing that selectively removes unwanted trees, brush or other vegetation from your property. By removing and chipping select vegetation, without clearing the land entirely, you will optimize soil health and minimize erosion. If you plan to use the land for landscaping or agriculture, you may have questions about planting after forestry mulching.
Are there things you should know about timing? How quickly will the soil recover from forestry mulching? We’re here to help with a list of five important things to know about planting after forestry mulching.
Mulching is an essential garden practice that provides numerous benefits to plants. It helps conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil nutrition. A common question that arises is whether you can plant new plants in beds that already have mulch. The simple answer is yes, you can plant after mulching. However, some considerations need to be kept in mind to ensure the success of new plantings.
When Should You Plant – Before or After Mulching?
The ideal approach is to prepare beds, plant new additions, and then apply mulch. Digging through mulch to plant can displace it and be messy. However, sometimes mulch may already be in place before new plantings are added. As long as care is taken, planting in mulched beds can still be successful.
Can You Plant Flowers and Vegetables After Mulching?
Most plants, including flowers, vegetables, shrubs and trees, can be planted after mulching The key is to carefully move aside mulch at planting sites and properly prepare the soil underneath before planting
When planting annual flowers or vegetables into mulched beds, remove mulch in a circular area at planting sites Dig down 3-4 inches and mix compost or other organic matter into the exposed soil to enrich it. Plant the new seedling or seeds into the soil and replace the mulch around it, keeping it 1-2 inches away from plant stems.
For larger plants like shrubs and trees remove mulch in a larger area and dig a wide planting hole as you normally would to accommodate the root ball. After planting push back the mulch, keeping it a few inches away from the base of the main plant stem.
Can You Plant Over Old Mulch?
Existing older mulch that has not broken down much can be reused. Before planting, it’s a good idea to mix in the old mulch shallowly (1-3 inches) into the topsoil. This will help it decompose faster and enrich the soil.
Once mixed in, new mulch can be reapplied on top and planted into. The mulch mixed into the soil will decompose over 2-6 months, releasing nutrients.
If reusing old mulch, ensure it is not diseased, wet, matted or smelly. Healthy mulch can be mixed into the soil and reused to plant again.
How to Plant in Mulch – Step by Step
Here is a summary of the key steps to follow when planting in mulched beds:
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Clear away mulch in a wider area than the planting hole at the planting site. Remove 2-3 inches for smaller plants and wider for bigger plants.
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Loosen the soil underneath to a depth of 3-4 inches using a tiller, spade or garden fork.
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For annuals/vegetables, mix in 1-2 inches of compost into soil. For trees/shrubs, dig the full planting hole as required.
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Plant the plant, seedling or seeds into the prepared soil as usual.
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Water the plant well after planting to help establish roots.
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Replace the mulch around the plant, keeping it 1-2 inches from the stem. For trees, keep mulch 3-4 inches away from the trunk.
Tips for Planting After Mulching
Here are some useful tips to ensure success when planting in mulched beds:
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Water new plants sufficiently for the first few weeks until established in the mulched bed. Mulch retains moisture but new roots will need ample water.
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For trees and shrubs planted in mulch, create a small earth dike or ridge around it to help water soak in and prevent runoff.
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When replantingannual flowers and vegetables each season, mix in some new compost as the old mulch and soil will be depleted.
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Use compost, manure or nitrogen fertilizers to replenish nutrients in used mulch and soil for new plantings to thrive.
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If reusing old mulch, check carefully for signs of fungi, molds or pests and remove any visibly diseased mulch.
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Monitor new plantings in mulched beds carefully and pull back excessive mulch if plants show signs of poor growth.
Benefits of Planting After Mulching
Planting after mulching provides these advantages:
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Conserves soil moisture and regulates soil temperatures.
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Suppresses weed growth around new plantings.
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Allows reusing old mulch to enrich soil for new plants.
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Prevents erosion of bare soil when rains occur after planting.
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Reduces compaction and improves aeration of planted soil as old mulch mixes in.
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Encourages earthworms and beneficial microbial activity in planted areas.
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Eliminates need to remove and reapply mulch after planting.
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Protects new plantings from harsh sunlight and frost heaves in winter.
Potential Problems With Planting After Mulching
When planting in mulched beds, be aware of these potential problems:
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Old mulch can harbor diseases and pests which affect new plants – inspect carefully before reusing.
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Thick mulch layers prevent water and air from penetrating soil – keep 1-2 inch depth near plants.
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Continuous use of mulch can lead to nutrient imbalances – test soil and amend regularly.
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Mulch placed too close to plant crown can cause rotting in wet weather. Allow space between stem and mulch.
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Shallow plant roots can grow up into thick mulch layers instead of deep into soil.
Mulching is an important gardening practice and should not deter you from planting new additions to your landscape beds. With some care taken to prepare soil underneath and properly place mulch around new plantings, you can successfully plant after mulching. The mulch will give your new plants added protection while benefiting the entire garden environment. Follow the tips outlined here for best results when planting in mulched garden beds.
Planting After Forestry Mulching: 5 Things to Know
When it comes to forestry mulching, it’s best to plan ahead. The process removes trees, limbs, select bushes and other vegetation, shreds the material to mulch and then returns it to the ground. Of course, planning ahead will help you know where to lay the mulch and where you can plant seeds or seedlings.
Where you need plants or trees removed for aesthetic reasons or property enhancement alone, it makes sense that mulch is returned to the ground, as it helps to suppress weed growth and stabilizes the soil. Where you want plants, trees or crops to grow, however, you will want to minimize mulch laid on the ground.
This primary difference means you will need to have a clear plan for your property, both in terms of the area you would like to have reduced and where you would like mulch to be applied to the soil. With intention and a plan, you will be better prepared for successful planting after forestry mulching.
- Assess Property for Planting Purposes
Sometimes, the equipment used in forestry mulching has an impact on the soil that will need to be addressed before you can start to plant. Whether you intend to plant trees, native plants or crops in your newly-cleared land, you will need to first assess the property itself.
Has the soil sustained significant damage? If so, you may need to repair it before you take your next steps. In other words, as you create a plan for planting after forestry mulching, it is important to build a buffer of time, given the possibility that you’ll need to manage soil repair.
Beyond the impact that heavy machinery can have on your property, you will also need a clear understanding of your land. While forestry mulching may have helped to create more space for planting, it’s important to know if the space itself is right for the job. Is there enough drainage for water to flow properly? Is there enough light? Is the soil deep enough for the roots of new plants to gain hold?
With a thorough assessment of your property and which areas will best suit planting, you can decide with confidence which areas will remain open for planting and which will be covered in mulch.
- Prepare Soil and Area
Once you’ve selected the best areas of your property for planting, you will need to prepare the soil to maximize growth potential. Healthy growth, whether for landscaping or agriculture, depends on the quality of your soil.
Ideally, the area you intend to use for planting will have proper pH and balanced nutrients. A good sign of soil health is its color and texture—healthy soil tends to be darker and able to crumble off the roots of plants you remove. Soil that is not too dense, yet not dry and loose, is ideal for planting. Generally, the presence of earthworms and fungi are a good sign that the soil is fertile and healthy.
Whether the area you want to plant has been damaged by equipment used for forestry mulching or has never had the attention it requires for soil health, this is the time to properly prepare your soil for planting.
If your soil health is good, but the ground is compacted, you may need to give it time to recover naturally. If your soil needs a bit of help, you may need to alter its composition with something simple such as compost, manure, lime or sulphur. It is best to speak with an expert to best understand what your property may require.
- Time Forestry Mulching to Planting Schedule
Of course, depending on where you live and the purpose of your forestry mulching, your timeline will look different. If your winter season is likely to include ground frost, for example, you will need to plan your planting around the winter months.
Generally, when planning for planting after forestry mulching, you need to allow for enough time for soil preparation without leaving it so long that weeds, invasive species or other regrowth impair your planting schedule.
Assuming there is minimal damage caused by the equipment needed for forestry mulching, and assuming the soil is healthy, you could begin planting as early as two weeks after the mulching has been done.
Naturally, you’ll also need to work around the best timing for the plants, trees, bushes or crops that you plan to grow, as each will have seasonal guidelines.
- Be Prepared to Adjust
Of course, when it comes to Mother Nature, you should always be ready to pivot. Not all plans for your property will unfold as you might estimate. Once the selective reduction of forestry mulching has been done, for example, you may realize you need more time to repair your soil, or that the landscape itself is not what you had imagined.
As you build your timeline and plan for costs, remember that planting after forestry mulching is best approached with both a Plan A and a Plan B. As soon as the mulching has been done, you will have a better look at the condition of your soil and your property.
Never Do This After Sheet Mulching
FAQ
Should I plant before or after mulch?
For new perennial beds or when planting large plants, shrubs, or trees, install your plants in the soil before you add the mulch.
How long after mulching can I plant?
With sheet mulching, you remove the backbreaking task of digging out your lawn. You simply layer organic materials on top of the grass. The grass will die overtime (within a month or two, depending on soil temperature), and you can plant directly into your new sheet-mulched bed afterward.
Should I remove mulch before planting?
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Assess the Mulch:
- Decomposed Mulch: If the old mulch has broken down into a dark, crumbly material, it’s essentially compost and can be left in place, adding nutrients to the soil.
- Thick or Undecayed Mulch: If the mulch is thick, still chunky, or hasn’t broken down much, it might be best to remove it or thin it out before planting. Thick mulch can prevent proper drainage and weed growth, and can also suffocate plants.
- Decomposed Mulch: If the old mulch has broken down into a dark, crumbly material, it’s essentially compost and can be left in place, adding nutrients to the soil.
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Benefits of Removing or Thinning:
- Improved Drainage: Removing thick mulch helps ensure that water can reach the roots of your plants, preventing soggy conditions.
- Reduced Weed Growth: Thinning or removing mulch can help prevent weeds from taking root in the garden beds.
- Better Plant Growth: Removing or thinning mulch can allow for better airflow to the roots, promoting healthy plant growth.
- Improved Drainage: Removing thick mulch helps ensure that water can reach the roots of your plants, preventing soggy conditions.
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When to Mulch:
- After Planting: You can mulch after planting, ensuring that the mulch is a few inches away from the base of the plants.
- Before Planting: You can also mulch before planting, but be sure to remove or thin the mulch as needed before planting.
- After Planting: You can mulch after planting, ensuring that the mulch is a few inches away from the base of the plants.
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Tips for Mulching:
- Use a 2-3 inch layer of mulch: This is generally considered the ideal depth for mulch.
- Keep mulch away from the base of plants: This helps prevent rot and disease.
- Use a good quality mulch: Avoid using mulch that is too coarse or that contains weed seeds.
- Use a 2-3 inch layer of mulch: This is generally considered the ideal depth for mulch.
Can I plant on top of mulch?
Yes, you can plant wildflowers on top of mulch, but there are some important considerations to ensure successful growth: Type of Mulch: Make sure the mulch is not too thick. A layer of 2-3 inches is generally suitable. If it’s too thick, it can inhibit seed germination.
Should I mulch after planting?
The roots will be incorporated into the soil under the mulch and break down over time. Mulch after planting to avoid mixing mulch into your soil. Leaving the roots in the soil will avoid disturbing the soil microbes and the mulch will protect the soil until you are ready to plant again.
How to plant trees after Forestry mulching?
1. To plant after forestry mulching, you will need to loosen the soil with a shovel or hoe before planting your new trees. Make sure to dig a hole that is big enough for the tree’s root ball, and place the tree in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil.
Do I need to remove old mulch before planting new vegetables?
You do not need to remove old mulch before planting new vegetables or flowers in raised garden beds. Just move the mulch out of the way and plant your new vegetables like tomatoes, peppers or beans. You will need top up your raised garden beds with new mulch if the thickness is less than 2 inches.
Should I mulch my herbs after planting?
Mulch after planting herb seedlings like rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley or basil. Hard Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, and marjoram will all benefit from mulch after planting. The best mulch to use is a wood mulch as these herbs will grow year to year and can grow best when planted out in a sunny spot in your garden beds.
Can I use forestry mulch in my garden?
If you are planning to use forestry mulch in your garden, it is important to test how well grass will grow through the mulch before you put down a thick layer. You can do this by scattering a few handfuls of grass seed on top of the mulched area and then watering it in.
When is the best time to mulch?
Mulching in late winter or early spring is also an option in areas where there is little snow cover. Spring and early summer are prime times to do land forestry mulching in the growing season. In areas that are more prone to heavy rainfall, spring and early summer are good times to have vegetation mulched.