2025 Fall Home Improvement | Page 11

morrisoncountyrecord. com Fall Home Improvement • Sunday, Sept. 21 & Oct. 12, 2025 Page 11

Fall mulching sets gardens up for a healthy spring

As the seasons shift and temperatures cool, fall becomes an ideal time to protect and nourish your garden with mulch.

Adding a fresh layer now can help insulate plants, retain soil moisture and suppress weeds through the winter months. Choosing the right mulch for your plants and climate ensures your garden stays healthy and vibrant into spring.

Why Mulch Matters in the Fall

Mulch acts like a protective blanket for gardens during colder months. It helps regulate soil temperature, keeping roots warmer during early frosts and preventing heaving caused by freeze-thaw cycles. Mulch helps trap moisture during dry autumn periods and continues to block out weeds that could take root before winter sets in.

Organic mulches, such as bark, straw, shredded leaves or compost, break down over time and add valuable nutrients back into the soil. This natural process can give plants a boost when they emerge from winter

dormancy.

Applying mulch in the fall prepares your garden for a strong start once warmer weather returns. It is a simple but powerful way to invest in the long-term health of your landscaping.

Best Mulch Options for Fall

Different gardens call for different mulches, depending on climate, soil type and the plants being protected.

• Shredded bark: Popular for perennial beds and around trees, shredded bark breaks down slowly and provides excellent insulation. It works well in most climates and helps enrich the soil over time.

• Straw: A lightweight option perfect for vegetable gardens, straw keeps soil temperatures more stable and is easy to rake away in spring. Make sure to choose clean, seed-free straw to avoid introducing weeds.

• Compost: For gardens needing a nutrient boost, compost offers both insulation and fertilization. A thin layer can be topped with another mulch type to prevent it from washing away in rain.

• Shredded leaves: Fallen leaves are a free and readily available mulch option. Shredding them first helps prevent matting and promotes faster breakdown into rich organic matter.

Gardeners in colder regions may want to prioritize thicker mulch layers, while those in milder climates can use lighter coverings to prevent excessive moisture buildup.

Tips for Applying Fall Mulch

When mulching in the fall, timing matters. Wait until the first hard frost but before the ground freezes completely. This helps protect dormant plants without encouraging pests to settle in. Aim for a layer about 2-4 inches thick. Keep mulch a few inches away from the base of trees and shrubs to prevent rot and discourage rodents from nesting close to plants.

Choosing the right mulch and applying it properly gives fall gardens a head start on a healthy, beautiful growing season.

Made to order. Made to fit. Made to last.

ORTHOPEDIC MATTRESS SETS STARTING AT:

Twin............ $ 299 Full.............. $ 409 Queen......... $ 449 King............ $ 729

PRESIDENTIAL 2 SIDED MATTRESS SETS STARTING AT:

Twin........ $ 419.99 Full.......... $ 609.99 Queen..... $ 649.99 King.......$ 1009.99

TAKE 50 % OFF MATTRESS PROTECTOR, SHEET SET, OR BED FRAME + FREE DISPOSAL WITH QUALIFYING PURCHASE MORE MODELS TO CHOOSE FROM

Thermo-Fit custom replacement windows available from Builders FirstSource

Thermo-Fit ® custom replacement windows from Thermo-Tech ® are the right fit to add beauty and comfort to any home. Superior performance. Low maintenance. Long-lasting beauty. Easy installation. It all adds up to a smarter home.

DELIVERY AVAILABLE

Two Sided Mattresses Available

Over 150 years of experience combined. We look forward to helping you on your next project. For all your building needs:

• Siding • Roofing • Windows • Doors • Millwork YOUR LOCAL PROJECT CENTER...

MON- FRI 10 AM- 5 PM; SAT & SUN CLOSED 2121 Riverview Drive, by N. Hwy. 10 Overpass Little Falls, MN • 320.632.1910

200 5th Street NE, Little Falls, MN 320-632-9209 • www. buildersfirstsource. com