Spring in suburbia is evident via the large piles of mulch that other people dump in their driveways. While installing mulch seems appearing a simple process, house owners use so much mulch on their landscape beds they will create an environment that is detrimental to the health of the plants which they are attempting to nurture.
One can’t help but cringe when viewing a ‘volcano’ of mulch installed around a tree. Have a look at will discuss correct methods of installing mulch and the different types of mulch to use (and not to use).
The reasons for mulch is always to conserve moisture and inhibit weed growth in planting beds and plants. Mulch is also beneficial in regulating soil temperatures; soil will stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter by using a layer of mulch. Organic mulches furthermore improve dirt quality as they break on paper. Mulch has also become a decorative factor in many landscapes. When installing mulch, follow these basic guidelines for the health of your plants:
– Never use more than 3-4″ detailed of thick mulch. When re-mulching, keep the overall depth under 4″ and consider even 2-3″ as plenty. Remove the old mulch if necessary, or really break inside old mulch if as well as become matted. Too much mulch is worse than no mulch. Excessive mulch may do dry out the upper root zone of plants and cause plant roots to grow upwards in the mulch.
– Never pile mulch directly against the stem of plants- rather pull the mulch back several inches to generate a mulch-free small area around the root. Mulch piled against the stem from the plant trigger rotting, and invites disease and damage from insects.
– Weed barrier under mulch often causes more problems than benefits. The inhibition water and oxygen are two major causes. Also, weeds will eventually root in the mulch and into the weed barrier, causing big problems as soon as the weeds are pulled.
– Be careful when using processed sewage sludge (Earthlife, Earthmate). While these typically the darkest of mulches, they will also rich in nitrogen which will cause excessive growth and even burning of the plants. These items are best used for a soil amendment in limited quantities. Many tests show these products to contain heavy metals- so ensure that it stays out of one’s vegetable patio or garden.
There are plenty of types of mulch on offer. Ground up hardwood, bark mulch, and dyed mulches are preferred. Pine bark, Cypress and pine straw are more popular in the south. Stone may even be used, but it is more maintenance in the long term with cleaning debris from between your stones significant nuisance.
Cheap Georgia Mulch
3000 Trotters Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30004
(770) 637-9147