Hostas Are Having Difficulty Growing In Soil With Freshly Mixed Wood Chips

Question From: C. Webber - Wheaton, Illinois, United States
Q: Hi Nancy, We recently had mulch mixed into soil from having a tree cut down. We are having trouble growing hostas near this area (it is still partial shade). Did the mulch in the soil have an affect on this?

A: Mixing fresh wood chips and or sawdust into the soil was not a good idea as it steels the nitrogen out of the soil as it breaks down. So you will need to add a source of nitrogen back into the soil. I would have the soil tested to see how much you need. I suggest using an organic product so it will release slowly but a chemical source may be needed to get things going. Contact your county extension for assistance. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy