Mulch layers suppress weed growth and keep the soil moist. Chopped tree bark, a waste product from forestry, serves as a replacement product for a warming layer of leaves or grass.
Is bark mulch suitable for cherry laurel?
Bark mulch is suitable for cherry laurel because it suppresses weeds and keeps the soil moist. However, it removes nitrogen from the soil and can acidify it. To compensate for this, you can fertilize the soil with horn shavings. Alternatively, you can also use dried grass clippings as mulching material.
Bark mulch: protective blanket for the earth
Bark mulch suppresses weeds very well and blends in perfectly with the natural look of the garden. However, the material also has disadvantages as it removes nitrogen from the soil and acidifies it through rotting. However, you can compensate for the nitrogen loss by fertilizing, for example with horn shavings.
How quickly the bark mulch rots depends on the grain size: the larger the pieces are, the slower they decompose. To effectively suppress weeds, you should apply a layer of mulch that is at least five to seven centimeters thick. Mulch once a year to compensate for the decomposed volume of the bark mulch layer.
Grass clippings as alternative mulching material
Some experts recommend not mulching young plants with bark mulch. Use dried grass clippings instead. This layer of mulch also protects the soil from the weather and supplies the cherry laurel with nutrients through the rotting of the material.
Tips & Tricks
Mix the mulch with comfrey or nettle leaves. The valuable ingredients of the plants naturally strengthen the cherry laurel when mulched.
