Mulch – What Thickness?

Q: I have a thick covering of pine straw and leaves on my yard in areas where I don’t mow. Does this prevent the roots of the trees from getting moisture?

A: Thick mulch can be a two-edged sword. It helps keep water in the soil but if it’s too thick it completely absorbs moisture from light rains. I’d say a mulch layer more thane six inches high is too thick.