Mary wrote:
Unless I have misunderstand about mulching does a mulch need to be removed
or dug into the soil before winter after it has been applied in the spring?

Mary




I think a mulch, by definition, is something that is applied to the
surface and not dug in. There are materials used as mulches (surface
applied) which can also be useful as soil conditioners (incorporated in
the soil by digging or other means) - such as composted bark, farmyard
manure... Normally mulches like these will be incorporated in the soil
by the natural activity of, e.g., worms so there's no need to dig them
in - simply top up the mulch (normally in the spring, to slow loss of
water from the soil by evaporation).

I speak/write as something of a novice (only RHS Gen'l Cert) so you'll
probably get much better advice before too long!