Can plastic be used as mulch around trees and shrubs?
Plastic cuts off air and moisture exchange in the soil and virtually drowns the plant. If a plastic material must be used, use the planting mat that allows for air and moisture exchange around the plant. Be sure to not mound the mulch up around the tree trunk. All this does is make a “bed” for creatures to live in while they eat on the tree trunk. Q)I have heard that I should not mulch my peonies. Is this true? A)Yes. Peonies and bearded iris should not be mulched. Mulch can cause them to rot. Q)My neighbor says my firewood is full of bugs and I shouldn’t store it in the house. What do you recommend? A)He’s right! A variety of insects, including woodborers, worker carpenter ants, and wood roaches, live in the dead and dying trees that we use for the fireplace. To avoid problems in the house with these and other insects, do not store your firewood in the basement or any part of the house. When using your fireplace, do not bring firewood into the house that you will not be putting on the
