Does Mulch Improve Plant Survival and Growth in Restoration Sites?
Research stating that the application of mulch in unmanaged urban restoration sites before planting can be more beneficial to long-term plant survival and growth and long-term weed control than herbicide application.
This fact sheet summarizes a research project by the University of Washington’s Center for Urban Horticulture that compared the effectiveness of applying mulch versus herbicide prior to plant installation in an urban restoration project with no follow up after care. “The research hypothesis is that plants grown in the mulched plots will show higher rates of survival and growth than the plants grown in areas sprayed by an herbicide.” [First page]
The plots were "planted with three northwest natives: snowberry (Symphoricarops albus (L.) Blake), red-flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum Pursh) and oceanspray (Holodiscus discolor Pursh (Maxim.). SInce this experiment was designed to simulate a typical restoration project, no after-care is provided." [First page]
The results supported the research hypothesis and suggest that “all restoration sites, but especially those receiving no supplemental water, should be mulched.” [Last paragraph] 2 pages. 8.5” x 11"
Alternate URL for on-line access: http://www.puyallup.wsu.edu/~Linda%20Chalker-Scott//FactSheets/Mulch%20fact%20sheet.pdf
University of Washington, College of Forest Resources
September 2002
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Fact Sheet #38
Pamphlet/Flyer/Factsheet
Mulching, Ecological Restoration, Fertilization
Pacific Northwest
restoration, restoration
MW: F-PAMP-WA-02-002
MWCU&CF
