Innovative Tree Mulch
S&W Report Fall / Winter 1997 (Volume 9)
To ensure tree growth, there are four basic requirements: water, nutrients, sunlight and room to grow. Competition from grasses and weeds can be reduced or eliminated by mulching cover crops or tree shelters to increase room to grow. On a small scale, mulching is one of the preferred options, and Walter Kramer (member of the Upper Trent Valley Chapter of the OWA) has a simple solution to his problem.

Walter has always looked for a better way to do things. This time he is implementing a low cost and highly effective way of mulching his young trees, burlap is sacking. These common burlap bags are not only cheaper then brush mats, but are easier to apply, biodegradable over time, and tend to carry less mold than other mulches. They also retain more moisture during the dry season.

To use, simply slit the sack, reach through and pull it over the newly planted trees. Then watch them grow without competition from grasses and weeds.

Many different bulk packagers use burlap sacking. Seed, potatoes and cocoa beans are just a few of the items shipped in burlap. Many manufacturers and end users do not have an outlet for their sacking thus ship then to the landfill site. This is not only wasting ideal mulch, but is costly to the producer and wholesaler. Check out local sources to see what is available.

Burlap sacking can also be used, on a small scale, as an insect trap in the fall. Take a double strip of burlap and tie it around the trunk of your trees (this works particularly well for fruit trees). Overwintering insects will hide or lay eggs in the layers of burlap. Keep an eye on the wraps as soon as the whether begins to warm up. Early in the spring, before any insect activity begins, remove the wrap and burn it to destroy the insect eggs. Long strips of burlap tied around the full length of young fruit or nut trees, is an excellent replacement for the white plastic coils that are often used. Because the fabric breathes, there is no moisture trapped between the protective covering and the bark, thus lessening frost damage.

For more information on mulches, get a copy of the extension note “Room to Grow: Controlling the Competition” from the LandOwner Resource Centre by calling (613) 692-2390 or visiting their Web site at www.lrconline.com.

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