Use natural mulches to protect soil from erosion, reduce moisture loss, and support plant health.
Take these actions and be awarded “Inches” towards your Tennessee Smart Yard:
- Assess and address soil compaction. Value: 2 inches
- Maintain a 2-3 inch layer of mulch in plant beds and over tree and shrub roots, leaving at least 2 inches of space at the base of trunks. Value: 2 inches
- Use organic pine straw, pine bark, leaves, or hardwood mulch. Value: 2 inches
- Protect all soil surfaces with vegetation to minimize erosion by rainfall and runoff. Value: 2 inches
Resources
A video on how to collect a soil sample and send in for analysis.
Soil, Plant and Pest Center, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Nashville, TN.
Green Mulches – Sedges – Sedges for the Mid-Atlantic Region from Mt. Cuba Center.
