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I've heard wood chip mulch can rob nutrients from the soil. Should I add fertilizer when I apply the mulch?
Last Updated: June 24, 2010
Wood chips and other organic mulches will use some of the soil nitrogen as they decompose but usually the amount used is pretty insignificant and should not be a problem. Watch your plants where you've mulched and if lower leaves start yellowing, this can be a sign of nitrogen deficiency. If this occurs, add some nitrogen fertilizer. Should you decide to use the mulch as a soil amendment and work it into the soil it would be a good idea to add some nitrogen fertilizer to aid in the breakdown of the mulch.
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