North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

["Mark Angermayer" <hangermayer@isp.com>]

All this discussion of mulch shedding water probably depends largely on the
amount of rainfall the locale receives.  Rainfall is sufficient here that
the ground becomes thoroughly saturated in the spring and generally a few
times during the summer.  The beauty of heavy mulch is that once the ground
becomes saturated, the mulch keeps the soil moist for long periods of time.

In cases where there are only puny rains, yes some mulches may shed/absorb
water, but 1/4" rain isn't going to do much for a tree in bone dry soil
anyway.  The answer under those conditions is to add a little supplemental
water.

Mark
KS