Tag Archive for mulching tips

sramsey | February 18, 2013
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Does Mulch Attract Bugs?

Does Mulch Attract Bugs?

 

It’s been our experience that mulch itself does not attract bugs, but may provide a home for those already living in your garden. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing, as the majority of insects in a landscape are actually healthy for the plant material.

A layer of mulch is important for retaining moisture and those little critters will aid in the decomposition of materials that add nutrients to the soil. Something to avoid, however, is an overabundance of mulch (4 inches+). As this can retain too much moisture and potentially harm to your plants via fungus and mold.

Worms, Centipedes and earwigs are examples of insects that take up residence under mulch. These little guys help the soil by adding nutrients as they eat.  What about Termites? If termites are present under mulch, it’s usually because they were already there, as they not normally attracted the mulch itself.

Category: General Info, Mulch Installation, Mulching Tips, Pine Straw Installation | Tags: , , , , , ,
sramsey | June 16, 2012
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Rubber Mulch… Gaining Traction?

Landscape Rubber mulch:

  •  Remains porous at all times (never mats) allowing nearly 100% of all rain water direct to the soil.
  • Soil temperatures remain only 2 to 3 degrees above wood mulch covered soil temperature as rubber is an insulator. 
  • Weighs 675-700 lbs. per cubic yard.  Resists sinking into the soil and does not generally require a geo textile fabric.  Can be placed under stone driveways or parking areas to support the stone.
  • Acts as a weed deterrent as its non porous nature does not hold water at the surface dehydrating blown weed seed.  Will not stop rhizomial or bulb growth.
  • Depending on the manufacturer is colorfast for 5 to 15 years.
  • Costs 3 to 5 times cost of wood mulch and slightly more or less than decorative stone.

Playground Rubber mulch:

  •  Requires less material than wood mulch to achieve the same fall height rating.
  • Typically high traffic playgrounds will lose 25% of the material every 5 years.
  •  Never compacts but does require periodic maintenance to insure even coverage in fall zones.
  •  Larger particle sizes meet or exceed ADA Wheelchair standards.
  •  Works best with a border to control migration of the material.

 

Category: General Info, Mulch Installation, Mulching Tips | Tags: , , , , ,
sramsey | May 17, 2012
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Too Much Mulch?

Is there such a thing as too much Mulch?  You bet there is!  Be careful not to overdo mulch coverage, for the livelihood of your plant material.  It helps to keep heavy mulch away from the bases of trees, the tops of flowers and shrubs as well.

 

Category: General Info, Mulch Installation, Mulching Tips | Tags: , , , , ,
sramsey | February 4, 2012
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5 Ways to Whack those Weeds

1.                   Apply a Pre-emergent Herbicide : A quality pre-emergent applied prior to ground cover will help nip those weeds in the bud.  Be sure to read directions carefully.
 
2.                  Layout Weed Fabric : A good barrier against weed seeds already existing in the soil.  Simply cut holes for your new plants.
 
3.                  Remove Weeds in Just Purchased Plants : Weeds love to grow in the pots of growing nursery plants, and often lay in wait for their new home.
 
4.                  Install Quality Mulch : A good 2″-3″ layer of quality mulch will help to keep weed seeds from germinating.  Not to mention help control both soil temperature and moisture.
 
5.                  Don’t Till too Often : Stirring up the soil can expose dormant seeds to sunlight, and soon they’ll be singing in the rain!
Category: General Info, Mulch Installation, Mulching Tips, Pine Straw Installation | Tags: , ,