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?
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