Spring in suburbia is evident by the large piles of mulch that other people dump in their driveways. While installing mulch seems appearing a simple process, property owners use so much mulch on their landscape beds which create an environment that is detrimental to the health of the plants which they attempt to nurture.
One can’t help but cringe when viewing a ‘volcano’ of mulch installed around a tree. Take a look at will discuss right methods of installing mulch and the various types of mulch to use (and not to use).
The purpose of mulch is to conserve moisture and inhibit weed development in planting beds and plants. Mulch is also attractive regulating soil temperatures; soil will stay cooler in the summer and warmer your winter having a layer of mulch. Organic mulches may improve the soil quality when they start to break down. Mulch has also be a decorative consider many panoramas. When installing mulch, follow these basic guidelines for that health of one’s plants:
– Organic more than 3-4″ in depth of compost. When re-mulching, keep complete depth under 4″ and consider even 2-3″ as plenty. Gather old mulch if necessary, or not less than break inside old mulch if it has become matted. Too much mulch is worse than no compost. Excessive mulch may dried the upper root zone of plants and cause plant roots to grow upwards in the mulch.
– Never pile mulch directly around the stem of plants- rather pull the mulch back several inches to produce a mulch-free area surrounding the root. Mulch piled against the stem for a plant trigger rotting, and invites disease and insect damage.
– Weed barrier under mulch often causes more problems than benefits. The inhibition of water and oxygen are two major questions. 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 regularly the darkest of mulches, they are also rich in nitrogen and should cause excessive growth and also burning of the plants. These products are best used for a soil amendment in limited quantities. Many tests show these products to contain heavy metals- so keep it out of one’s vegetable garden.
There are many types of mulch available. Ground up hardwood, bark mulch, and dyed mulches are all popular. Pine bark, Cypress and pine straw most likely popular in the south. Stone may also be used, but it is more maintenance in the long term with cleaning debris from between stones an international nuisance.
Cheap Georgia Mulch
3000 Trotters Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30004
(770) 637-9147