Been out mulching

[spandit]

I didn't want to spray glyphosate for my trees so just planted them in the sward - I've laid a permeable weed membrane down and covered with woodchip - not out to a metre but should give them a reasonable chance:

 

[Goaty]

Well done, a bit more work involved but I think it has other benefits, biologically and moisture retention etc. I would do it this way by choice.

 

Will need to mow the grass still to stop it falling over and tillering and seeding in to the mulch.

 

Is your membrane biodegradable? I use cardboard in the fruit garden and have used it on hedges as well with success.

[spandit]

Not sure if it is officially biodegradable unfortunately but it's not very thick & the stuff I put down last year has disappeared in many places. As far as I am concerned once the leaves grow they tend to shade out anything lower in the tubes & in autumn they self mulch. Considering how well the self seeded trees have done without any help, having any protection must be an advantage

 

Did 35 today - that was 2 full Mule loads

[Goaty]

I have invested in a weedbadger vineyard type mower/cultivator for forestry vegetation control, I've had it a while but never got it fully set up to use yet. I don't think it will be long before herbicide will either be had to use or reduced in licence and heavily policed. I do very little spraying. About 40 ltrs last year on a neglected young hedge, that I didn't plant.

[spandit]

On the face of it, in the long run, by adding a load of mulch, I'm adding nutrients to the area, whereas spraying will only reduce the nutrients available - not the best environmental solution! As long as I can get my trees enough light by keeping them clear of weeds, then the slower initial growth by not spraying doesn't really matter.