Wood mulch

Few things that we do for trees and shrubs provide as much benefit as organic mulch in the plant’s root zone.

Mulch
Material placed on soil to cover and protect it. Organic mulches are derived from plants. Inorganic mulches include rock, plastic, and synthetic fabrics.

Benefits of organic mulches

  • Retains moisture, reduces water loss from soil, reduces watering needs
  • Reduces weed competition (if maintained at 2–4 inch depth)
  • Adds valuable organic matter to soil as it breaks down (compost and nutrients)
  • Keeps lawn mowers and weed whips away from the tree trunk
  • Improves soil over time. Organic mulch increases:
    • Water infiltration
    • Water-holding capacity
    • Aeration
    • Fertility
    • Organic matter
    • Structure
    • Biological activity (organisms)
  • Buffers soil temperature in a positive way
    • Cooler in summer
    • Warmer in fall
    • Insulated in winter
  • Reduces run-off and erosion
  • Increases water infiltration
  • Reduces reflection and re-radiation of heat (reduces urban heat island effect)
  • Many types are free
  • Allows recycling of landscape “waste” via chipped or shredded brush and leaves

Disadvantages of mulching improperly

Too much or too little can cause problems

  • Must be top-dressed from time-to-time to maintain a 2 to 4 inch layer
  • Weeding becomes necessary when depth is not maintained
  • If improperly applied (too deep or up against the trunk like a volcano) it can cause problems with matting or excess moisture around trunk

Free wood mulch

Free wood mulch is available for pickup at the Minnetonka Public Works facility, 11522 Minnetonka Boulevard . The wood mulch is from the material residents bring to the brush drop-off program. The materials are processed with a tub grinder which makes a uniform wood mulch product.

  • Please bring your own containers and hand tools for loading.
  • Mulch is available on the specified dates of the brush drop-off program during the following hours:
    • Monday and Tuesday: Noon to 8 p.m.
    • Saturday: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    • Closed: Memorial day, Labor day, and Veteran’s day.

Please note: Minnetonka no longer delivers loads of mulch. Call 952.988.8430 or 952.988.8400 for additional information.