|
Sat, Nov 6, 10 at 15:21
| I want to save some money not buying cedar mulch for use on my dwarf apple trees as a mulch for their rootzones over winter. Can I use saw dust, i have some in my garage from a lumber yard from a couple years back. Should be ok to use to prevent freeze damage to sensitive trees eh? |
Follow-Up Postings:
|
| An interesting question that I have been wrestling with for several years. I mulch around our blueberry shrubs in the fall, with shredded maple tree leaves(Norway maple) to a depth of 8 inches or so. But, of course, I am not able to mulch the sensitive growing tips, so they are exposed to the full brunt of our winter weather. Nonetheless, the majority of blueberry shrubs make it though each winter OK. Even the growing tips will generally survive the coldest weather. I don't think that the mulch is of much help. I think that there is slow, but continual circulation of sap, within the plant, from the roots, and up into the tips of the branches. When the roots are healthy and hydrated, they are able to supply the branches with sap that contains sugar or protein, something that helps the wood resist freezing. I can't think of any other method the exposed tips would have to avoid frost damage. |
|
| Sawdust can be used as a mulch, providing your soil has good drainage and is not prone to holding excess water int eh soil, the plants root zone where that excess water could cause root rot. |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Soil Forum
Instructions
- You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
- HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
- No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.