Mulching – is it worth the money?

Mulching. Is it worth the money? In this case, it was!

This landowner in Hico, Texas, decided to mulch after clearing cedar trees and other undesirable woody species across the property. As shown in the video, secondary succession is underway as native grasses, forbs, and other desirable vegetation begin reclaiming the site. The mulch layer helps protect the soil from erosion, conserve moisture, suppress some unwanted vegetation, and gradually return organic matter and nutrients back to the soil as it decomposes.

However, mulching isn’t the right tool for every woody species. Trees and shrubs that aggressively root sprout, such as wild plum, honey mesquite, and huisache, often respond to mulching by sending up numerous new shoots. Without proper follow-up management, these species can return even denser than before. That’s why choosing the right brush management method for your target species is critical to long-term success.

Every property has different goals, and no single practice fits every situation. At Wildlife Habitat Federation, we help landowners develop conservation plans tailored to their land, ensuring the right management practices are used in the right places to improve forage production, wildlife habitat, and overall land health.