Mulch is probably the most important contribution to your having a healthy shrub over the years. The reason is that mulch feeds the critically important earthworms and soil microbes. Mulch all year long means the soil gets better year after year. No mulch means lousy soil and an unhappy shrub.

We advise you to have a 2 to 3 inch layer of organic mulch under each shrub out to the drip line of the plant for 365 days a year!!

For full details about mulching go to Mulching In The Yard

See full explanation of Soil Food Web as it pertains to shrubs.  ........