How do you prevent winter heaving of ground cover?

• A. Anti-transpirant
• B. Mulching
• C. Fertilization
• D. Irrigation

Answer: (B)

Winter heaving happens when freezing and thawing of moist soil lifts the crown of shallow-rooted ground covers. Mulching acts as an insulating blanket, moderating soil temperature and moisture around the base of the plants. That insulation slows down the freeze-thaw cycles right at the crown, so the soil isn’t forced to heave the plant upward as dramatically. Organic mulches like bark, wood chips, or straw also help hold moisture more evenly around the roots, further reducing the risk of movement from frost action. When applying mulch, keep it a couple of inches away from the crown to prevent rot, and aim for a light-to-moderate layer (about 2–4 inches) for effective insulation. Other practices don’t address soil temperature and moisture in the same way, so they’re not as effective at preventing winter heaving.