Expert: Jim Hyland - 11/9/2011

Question
Hi, i live in the province of Quebec close to upper New York state and have a cedar hedge in my backyard. Can i put mulch under the hedge, my grass have very few weeds and i want to slow down my neighbors weeds from coming to my side and if so how thick. Is there a danger that the roots may rot with the mulch. Secondly, this fall due to high winds i have a lot of red needles that have fallen, should these be removed from under the cedars.

thanks

Bruce

Answer
Yes organic mulch is good around trees and shrubs--the mulch hold moisture and help the root system maintain a supply of water. Make sure you do not apply more than 3 inches deep and not piled up on the trunks of the trees. Do not use rocks but use wood product mulch. Pine straw is a good one. The needles from the cedar will be good and will add to the pine straw.