Spring in suburbia is evident by the large piles of mulch that others like you dump in their driveways. While installing mulch seems appearing a simple process, property owners use so much mulch on their landscape beds that they create an environment that is detrimental to the health of the plants which they are trying to nurture.
One can’t help but cringe when viewing a ‘volcano’ of mulch installed around a tree. Have a look at will discuss the methods of installing mulch and the various types of mulch to use (and not to use).
The reasons for mulch is to conserve moisture and inhibit weed increase planting beds and plants. Mulch is also valuable in regulating soil temperatures; soil will stay cooler inside the summer and warmer on the winter having a layer of mulch. Organic mulches may improve the soil quality when they start to break up. Mulch has also turn into decorative element in many landscapes. When installing mulch, follow these basic guidelines for the health of your plants:
– Organic more than 3-4″ detailed of thick mulch. When re-mulching, keep general depth under 4″ and consider even 2-3″ as plenty. Collect old mulch if necessary, or not less than break up the old mulch if it has become matted. Too much mulch is worse than no mulch. Excessive mulch may dry out the upper root zone of plants and cause plant roots to grow upwards into the mulch.
– Never pile mulch directly through the stem of plants- rather pull the mulch back several inches to make a mulch-free space around the stalk. Mulch piled against the stem of a plant produces rotting, and invites disease and damage from insects.
– Weed barrier under mulch often causes more problems than benefits. The inhibition of water and oxygen are two major concerns. Also, weeds will eventually root into the mulch and into the weed barrier, causing big problems as soon as the weeds are pulled.
– Use caution when using processed sewage sludge (Earthlife, Earthmate). While these generally the darkest of mulches, they will also rich in nitrogen and tend to cause excessive growth and in many burning of one’s plants. These products are best used as the soil amendment in limited quantities. Many tests show these products to contain heavy metals- so keep it out of the vegetable gardener.
There are a variety of types of mulch on offer. Ground up hardwood, bark mulch, and dyed mulches are all popular. Pine bark, Cypress and pine straw are more popular in south. Stone may also be used, having said that it is more maintenance in the long term with cleaning debris from involving the stones a critical nuisance.
Cheap Georgia Mulch
3000 Trotters Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30004
(770) 637-9147