Berms are simple but helpful additions to the garden and landscape that can add interest, increase privacy, and help direct water to where it’s most needed. Is mulching berms necessary though? Keep reading to learn about berm mulch tips and ideas.
Is Mulching Berms a Good Idea?
What is a berm? A berm is a manmade mound of earth that
serves some purpose in the landscape. Some berms are meant to create a sense of
elevation in an otherwise flat garden or yard. Some are meant to retain or
direct water, such as around a tree or away from a house. Some are meant just
to create a rise in the landscape, subtly but effectively blocking out whatever
is on the other side.
Do you really need to mulch berms? The simple answer is: yes. Berms are raised mounds of dirt, and raised mounds of dirt like nothing more than to be washed away by erosion. Berms are at their most effective (and their most attractive) with plants growing out of them. This makes them look good, and the roots of the plants help hold the soil intact against rain and wind.
Mulch
is essential to fill in those spaces between the plants to keep the dirt from
running away in little rivulets. It’s also excellent for retaining moisture
when that is the purpose of your berm, such as if it’s built
in a ring around a tree. Just remember stick to the ring and never
to mulch up to the edge of the tree – those mulch volcanoes you see sometimes
are bad news and should be avoided.
What is the Best Mulch for Berms?
The best mulch for berms is the kind that won’t wash or blow
away easily. Shredded wood or bark are good bets, since their large pieces are
relatively heavy and interlock well. They also make for a nice, natural look
that blends in well with the landscape and doesn’t draw too much attention.
Berms are simple but helpful additions to the garden and landscape that can add interest, increase privacy, and help direct water to where it’s most needed. Is mulching berms necessary though? Keep reading to learn about berm mulch tips and ideas.
Is Mulching Berms a Good Idea?
What is a berm? A berm is a manmade mound of earth that
serves some purpose in the landscape. Some berms are meant to create a sense of
elevation in an otherwise flat garden or yard. Some are meant to retain or
direct water, such as around a tree or away from a house. Some are meant just
to create a rise in the landscape, subtly but effectively blocking out whatever
is on the other side.
Do you really need to mulch berms? The simple answer is: yes. Berms are raised mounds of dirt, and raised mounds of dirt like nothing more than to be washed away by erosion. Berms are at their most effective (and their most attractive) with plants growing out of them. This makes them look good, and the roots of the plants help hold the soil intact against rain and wind.
Mulch
is essential to fill in those spaces between the plants to keep the dirt from
running away in little rivulets. It’s also excellent for retaining moisture
when that is the purpose of your berm, such as if it’s built
in a ring around a tree. Just remember stick to the ring and never
to mulch up to the edge of the tree – those mulch volcanoes you see sometimes
are bad news and should be avoided.
What is the Best Mulch for Berms?
The best mulch for berms is the kind that won’t wash or blow
away easily. Shredded wood or bark are good bets, since their large pieces are
relatively heavy and interlock well. They also make for a nice, natural look
that blends in well with the landscape and doesn’t draw too much attention.