Feeding Shrubs

This year I put down a lot of tree bark mulch under shrubs, to prevent so much leaf-drop in dry periods. When it comes to feeding shrubs in the spring, with poultry pellets or other dry fertilizers, will I have to clear away all this mulch or do I just throw the feed on top of the mulch and hope it gets through?

Re: Feeding Shrubs

Reply from Kathy C

Hi, Catherine,
You should pull it away - it will take that much longer for the fertilisers/pellets to reach your plants. And technically, bark mulch should be replaced/refreshed each year. It can harbour mould and fungus. I personally have steered away from it for that reason. Plus, I have read mixed reports on whether or not it alters soil ph as it breaks down.
Kathy C

Re: Feeding Shrubs

Reply from Catherine Tanser

Thank you Kathy. That's a bother but it's good to know about the bark, I'll not buy it again. Now I'm going to ask another question: what about dead leaves, should they be left or cleared. Throughout spring and summer a lot drop from my Photinia Red Robin and Eleagnus x ebbingei Gilt Edge?

Re: Re: Feeding Shrubs

Reply from Kathy C

Hi, Catherine,
I would remove them - they can harbour diseases and pests over winter. Different than using already broken-down leaf mould as a mulch.
Kathy C

Re: Re: Re: Feeding Shrubs

Reply from Catherine Tanser

Thank you Kathy, it is useful to know these things. I have just mown the lawn and was wondering whether to throw the grass cuttings under shrubs, but from what you have advised I think that would not be a good idea, for the same reasons, harbouring bugs etc.

Re: Re: Re: Re: Feeding Shrubs

Reply from Kathy C

HI, Catherine,
Very true. Also, once they turn brown, they will be quite unsightly. And to add to that, a thick enough layer will create heat as the grass decomposes which can damage plant roots, etc.
Kathy