Covering the tree disc with bark mulch is reputed to have many benefits for the plants. In this article we will clarify whether lilacs can also benefit from this ground cover.
Can I use bark mulch for lilacs?
Bark mulch is goodfor keeping the lilac tree disc weed-free. However, the material reacts acidically and temporary nitrogen fixation can occur. This can be compensated for by mixing the mulching material with horn shavings.
Which types of bark mulch are suitable for lilacs?
All varietiesof bark mulch, which is available in different grain sizes,canbe used as mulching material for the lilac. The shreds are made from the bark of the following conifers:
- Pine,
- Spruce,
- Douglas fir,
- Pine.
However, the finer the grains are, the faster they decompose. To ensure that the covering settles slowly, a coarse grain size of between 40 and 80 millimeters should be used when mulching lilacs.
Always buy quality mulch, because it is sieved before packaging and almost exclusively contains pieces of bark of the specified size.
How does bark mulch work under the lilac?
Due to the layer of bark mulch, theearthdoes not heat up as much andevaporateson hot daysless Water. The soil is no longer exposed to rain and wind and is protected fromerosion. This has a positive effect on the root growth of the bushes.
Since lilacs do not tolerate underplanting well, they also benefit from the weed-suppressing effect of bark mulch.
How thick should I mulch the lilac?
So that the bark mulch reliably suppresses weeds and can develop its soil-protecting properties, the applied layer should befive to ten centimeters thick.
Tip
The cadmium contamination from bark mulch is negligible
Since bark mulch was suspected of increasing cadmium levels in the soil, its use was discouraged for some time. However, measurements have shown that even after years of using shredded bark, no negative effects on the earth are to be expected.
