Viewing post #849192 by dorab

Oldgardenrose said:It's too late now but there can be problems when mulching the base of a woody shrub or tree or covering it with insulating material. It makes a natural cozy bed for mice and they will eat the sweet bark during the winter. I have always read where one should keep mulch or any type of packing several inches away from the base.

I've been told agricultural sulfur sprinkled on the mulch can deter them somewhat - I did this last year and the only rose that was damaged by mice didn't get any sulfur because I'd run out. It makes the soil more alkaline, but that isn't a problem with peonies.