How to Mulch for Drought Conditions

Times of drought make it difficult to keep trees and shrubs looking healthy. Mulching around trees and shrubs can make a world of difference. Mulch helps the soil around trees and shrubs retain water and often prevents weeds from developing. Learn to properly mulch during drought conditions to keep your yard looking it's best, even when rain is scarce.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Choose the best mulch for your yard. You can use organic or non-organic mulch. Both work for drought conditions, but some work better than others. Organic mulch breaks down over time and includes different types of bark nuggets, compost and yard waste. Inorganic mulch includes landscape fabrics, rocks and gravel. Rocks and gravel are not the best mulch choice during drought conditions because they absorb heat.

2. Place 2 to 4 inches of mulch around the base of each tree and shrub in the yard. The mulch needs to be at least 2-inches thick to retain water during drought conditions. Carefully stack the mulch around the tree to ensure the mulch does not touch the trunk.

3. Measure the thickness of the mulch with a measuring tape or yardstick. Mulch that is too thin will not benefit the trees and shrubs as much. Mulch that is too thick may actually harm the trees and shrubs and prevent water from getting to them. Over-mulched trees and shrubs also have problems with roots growing in the mulch instead of the soil.

4. Re-mulch throughout the year. Your mulch may break down, spread out or be carried off by high winds. Add to the mulch around your trees and shrubs as needed to maintain the desired 2 to 4 inch thickness.

Tips & Warnings

• If you choose bark mulch, make sure it contains less than 10 percent wood fiber.
• If you use yard clippings, they need to be shredded. Non-shredded yard clippings such as grass, leaves and twigs form a thick barrier that is impossible for water to penetrate.