On Wed, 16 Apr 2003 22:14:06 -0400, "BiG Orange" @ wrote:

When transplanting new young trees, it is recommended to surround it
with
wood chips or organic mulch (to keep away weeds from competing for soil
nutrients).

I thought it was to keep the roots from getting too hot or cold and to hold
in moisture. The weeds are just and added plus.

Both. Here in the southeastern US, any bare ground will be
covered with weeds in about 10 minutes -- so for us, mulch is
used both to regulate temperature (and moisture!) and in an
attempt to control the weeds.


Mike Prager
Beaufort, NC (on the coast in zone 8a)
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