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Mulching: Nature’s Composting Secret

Mulching is nature’s recycling system. Nature spreads thin layers of organic materials evenly over the surface of the soil. Year after year, season upon season, leaves and blades of grass mature, die and fall to the ground. Soil organisms begin the process of decomposition.

First molds, then bacteria, later earthworms and beetles all come to return organic matter back to the soil from which it came. In this process of natural mulching, topsoil is gradually created over time. Rich layers of humus—decomposed organic matter in the soil—are formed that give the soil its dark color and good rich-earth smell.

You may find it surprising that the first bit of advice is to avoid composting as much as possible by learning how to mulch various organic materials, especially grass clippings. Mulching simply refers to any technique where organic matter is spread in thin layers on the surface of the ground and left to decompose naturally so that soil organisms can convert it to humus.

Decorative bark layered around shrubbery is a popular mulch. Wood chips are often spread around trees and landscaping to hold moisture. Grass clippings, leaves, and compost can be placed around garden vegetables, flowers, and in soil beds to keep down weeds.

Leaving blades of grass on the lawn is the most common mulching technique. All mulches help retain water in the soil. Mulch keeps the soil cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

In fact, mulch is a form of drought insurance. Mulching is the easiest way to avoid generating organic waste in the first place. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn is the simplest type of mulching.

But mulching is not practical for all residents and homes, and not all yard trimmings are easy to use as mulches. Brush must be chipped before it can be used as a mulch, and few residents own brush chippers.

Many communities operate municipal wood trimmings collection and chipping programs with the wood mulch used in public areas such as parks and roadways. There is probably a Christmas tree mulching program in your area.

To learn more on mulching, visit the links below.

© 2000, Jim McNelly

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