can i apply newly shredded hardwood mulch to my shrub beds without cure time or treatment to the mulch?

Answer 1

Well, you can, but what happens is that without curing, the shredded hardwood will "fix" nitrogen from the soil, effectively robbing it from the plants. You can compensate for this by adding some high nitrogen fertilizer to the area so the plants will not suffer.

It's better just to make a big pile somewhere and let it sit for a season to cure.

Answer 2

Not a bad choice in Mulch. Make a trench in the front of the bed with a spade or shovel about one inch deep and at least a foot away from the dripline of the shrubs. If you can, put a flexible border around the base of the shrub some two inches from the center. The trench will outline and contain the mulch from runoff and the border around the shrub will keep the mulch from infecting your plantings.
I prefer to place a two to three inch layer of the material in the spring after planting my annuals. I also apply an additional one inch at Halloween to augment the wash off and breakdown.
In the spring, two weeks after plantings, I add a compound called Dyclomec 5G. along with a 10-10-10 and Mineral granular fertilzer. The Dyclomec kills existing weeds and provides season long weed killing. Around Father's Day I add another fert application for summer feeding.
I also add an application of Granular Sevin to the Mulch Bed in June. This is a pesticide that needs to be watered in immediately. It controls a wide range of insects and is commonly found in flea collars for animals, however, water it in good to reduce the risk to yourself and pets and children!!
I would remove my annuals on October 1st or Columbus Day. At that point I use a heavy rake to incorporate the mulch into the soil. Weeds should not be a problem at that point and it aerates the soil and prepares it for the Halloween application of fert and mulch.
The shreeded hardwood mulch make excellent soil within three to five years. It does not have to be removed each season. Some mulch compounds do. Remember to mulch a minimum of three inches away from any shrub or tree (the annuals don't care) and treat the mulch after you do it. Water in any fert, pesticide, of fungi control after you use them when you are mulching. Good Luck Call Back at [e-mail].

Answer 3

Yes, you can, but be sure not to pile it around the base of your plants. That can deprive the root system of oxygen & kill the plants.