Mulch Is More Than Decorative

Mulch retains moisture, retards weeds, provides nutrients, controls erosion and insulates the soil protecting plants from extreme temperature variations. Mulch should be applied approximately 3-4 inches thick. The most common types of mulches are hardwood, pine, and cedar. Hardwood and Pine mulches will break down and release nutrients into your soil. Cedar mulches break down extremely slow. Therefore, their benefits are primarily for decorative use, holding moisture, controlling erosion and slows weed growth. Pine bark mulch holds up the longest and is best for your plants and soil. For help choosing a mulch that would best suite your needs, contact us to speak to one of our mulch experts.

How to Mulch

Before you mulch... Mulch is the icing to the cake, there is some work to be done before you spread your mulch. Follow the steps below to achieve great results.

1. Kill Weeds – it is a good idea to spray all weeds with Round-Up or another weed killer 1 to 2 weeks prior to mulching. This will allow the weeds to completely die. Dead weeds are the best weeds to pull!

2. Trim Trees and Bushes – because of the debris produced, it is recommended that you trim your trees and bushes prior to mulching.

3. Clean Out Your Beds – clean out all dead leaves, weeds and trimmings with a rake. An adjustable rake works best.

4. Cultivate – after your beds have been cleaned, cultivate any compacted soil or mulch. A roto-tiller or hand cultivator will do the job. Cultivating will allow moisture and air to pass through the mulch easier.

5. Edge Your Beds – creating a clean edge really enhances your landscape and gives it a professional look. An edging shovel or power edger can be used to create your edge. Try using your garden hose as a guide to create nice flowing curves.

6. Rake Smooth – using a stiff rake, such as a mud rake, smooth out all the surfaces to be mulched. Otherwise, your mulch will look lumpy.

7. Apply a Pre-Emergent – now is the time to apply one such as Preen, to prevent germination of weed seeds. A second application, after the mulch has been installed, can add protection from weed seeds that may germinate in the mulch.

8. It’s Time To Mulch – using your hands or a rake, apply new mulch over the existing cultivated mulch or soil to a total of 3-4 inches thick. When complete, water to moisturize mulch and settle it into place.

9. Mulch Maintenance – after a month or so, check your mulch for compaction. If compacted, use a garden claw or cultivator to loosen it. This will allow water and air to pass, which helps prevent the growth of fungus and restores appearance.

10. Fungus – if present, remove it with the surrounding mulch. Rake existing mulch to cover the area, then water thoroughly. Fungus is a sure sign that your mulch has compacted and your beds have dehydrated, cultivation and watering may be necessary.

Types of Mulch

	Native Hardwood Mulch - Native Hardwood Mulch is vegetation from the surrounding area and processed locally, sometimes it may contain uncomposted white wood.
	Premium Hardwood Mulch - Premium Hardwood Mulch is a double ground hardwood bark, which means that it goes through the process of being shredded and screened twice, thus giving your landscape a nice clean rich look.  As it decomposes, it breaks down into a very good organic soil amendment.  It has a fibrous texture, and will not float or wash away in a heavy rain.
	Pine Bark Mulch - Red Pine Bark Mulch is freshly ground pine bark.  It is reddish-brown in color and because of its acidity, it promotes root growth and is great for your acid loving plants.  It will not rob significant nitrogen from your soil and makes an excellent soil amendment or basic material for potting soils.
	Texas Cedar Mulch - Texas Cedar Mulch is shredded mulch and is yellowish-brown in color.  It has a distinct fragrance that is pleasant to be around.  Cedar Mulch has a fibrous texture, like hardwood and tends to hold together and not float away during a heavy rain.  It has a limited ability to repel insects, and decomposes slowly.  This mulch will enhance any landscape.
	Red Deco Mulch - Red Deco Mulch is a "decorative mulch" made from recycled wood, primarily comprised of yellow pine dyed red to give it its unique red color.  This mulch will make any area stand out, especially when it borders green grass.
	Black Mulch - Black Mulch is a double shredded hardwood, for a finer look and dyed black to give it its dark rich color.  This dark rich mulch will really make your yard stand out.

Types of Soil

	Enriched Soil Mix - A premium blend used for new or existing flower beds consisting of compost mulch fines, sand and topsoil.  The mix allows for good drainage and proper air and water circulation.
	Garden Soil - A heavier blend used for vegetable gardens consisting of Mushroom Compost and Topsoil.
	Sandy Loam - A blend used as a top dressing for existing lawns or for new grass installation consisting of topsoil and sand.  It can also be used for filling in holes in your yard and building up around your foundation and sidewalks.
	Rose Soil -  A blend of sand, grit sand and organics, consisting of aged pine mulch, combined with both water soluble and timed-release fertilizers especially designed for roses.  A micronutrients package is also added to be sure that all required trace elements are available for good growth.  It is an excellent soil for seasonal color or for use as a potting soil.
	Topsoil - The upper, outermost layer of soil, usually the top 2 to 8 inches.  It has the highest concentration of organic matter and microorganisms and is where most of the Earth's biological soil activity occurs.
	Mushroom Compost - Fresh mushroom compost is an excellent source of organic matter, which represents a pool of plant nutrients to be slowly released over time.  Also, due to the high organic matter and carbon content, fresh mushroom compost would be extremely useful to amend soils low in organic matter and nutrient availability, especially sand-based soils.