Mulch - Mulching
Mulching Trees and Shrubs
Mulching trees and shrubs is a good method to reduce landscape maintenance and
keep plants healthy. Mulch helps conserve moisture --- 10 to 25 percent
reduction in soil moisture loss from evaporation. Mulches help keep the soil
well aerated by reducing soil compaction that results when raindrops hit the
soil. They also reduce water runoff and soil erosion. Mulches prevent soil and
possible fungi from splashing on the foliage ---- thus reducing the likelihood
of soil-borne diseases. They help maintain a more uniform soil temperature
(warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer) and promote the growth of soil
microorganisms and earth worms.
Mulches eliminate mowing around trees and shrubs and provide a physical barrier
that prevents damage from lawn mowers and weed trimmers. A 2- to 4-inch layer
(after settling) is adequate to prevent most weed seeds from germinating. Mulch
should be applied to a weed-free soil surface. Simply covering perennial weeds
such as bermudagrass or nutsedge will not prevent their growth.
The mulched area should include as much of the root zone as possible. For beds
mulch the entire area. For individual plants, such as trees, the mulched area
should extend at least 3 to 6 feet out from the base of the plant. It is
advisable to pull the mulch 1 to 2 inches from the base of plants to prevent
bark decay.
Mulch depth depends on the type of material used and the drainage and moisture
holding capacity of the soil. Sandy soils dry out quickly and often benefit from
a slightly deeper mulch layer (3 to 4 inches). A site that stays moist may not
benefit from mulching at all.
Mulch can be applied any time of the year. However, the best time to mulch is
late spring after the soil has warmed. Early spring application will delay soil
warming and possibly plant growth. It is not necessary to remove the mulch when
you fertilize. Apply the fertilizer over the mulch --- nutrients will move with
water to the roots below.
Mulching Flower Beds
We feel strongly that flower beds should be mulched
for 365 days a year.
It is an easy and organic way to stop weeds, reduce watering, build soil health
and grow the best flowers
Reasons why you should mulch flowers
Whether you grow annual or perennial flowers, tend a mixed border, or just enjoy
a few bulbs or mums in your shrub bed or along the foundation or by your mail
box, your flower beds will benefit from a layer of mulch year round. Mulch helps
keep down weeds. Mulch helps keep the soil cool and moist so watering is
reduced. Equally important, organic mulch also provides valuable organic matter
for the soil. Mulch helps flowers withstand summer heat and dry spells, reduces
soil temperature fluctuations, and helps feed the soil. Every flower garden
deserves a healthy layer of organic mulch.
We use organic mulch materials spread in an even layer one to three inches deep
placed around and between the plants. Avoid covering your plants, and keep the
mulch an inch or two away from the plant stems.
Control weeds first. We thoroughly remove any large weeds before
mulching. If many weeds are beginning to grow in your flower bed, we rake them
out or hoe them off short before mulching.
Reduce watering after mulching
The mulch we use is:
Installed mulch per sq. ft. Season Weeding included
Free Estimates
Discounts:
