Mulch, stones and rocks are great for just about every landscape project in Central Florida. If you are going to go through the trouble of applying mulch, you want to get the most out of it. Using the best techniques can ensure you reap all the benefits.
At Reliable Peat we provide our community with high quietly bark mulch and stones. Some of our first time customers have gotten intimidated by our mounds of fresh mulch, but once they see how easy the process is, they come back every year.
Top Mulching Mistakes
Not Mulching At All
Not using mulch on your landscaping is one of the biggest mistakes. Organic mulch offers so many benefits, weed suppression, insulates the soil, moisture retention, adds vital nutrients into the soil as it breaks down. It also makes your landscape look amazing, increasing the value of your home.
Mulching Right Up To The Trunk Of A Tree
While you may think it looks good, you should really keep a ring of about 6 to 12 inches out from the trunk of a tree mulch free. You don’t want the trunk to stay wet for an extended period of time, it can cause fungus growth and trunk rot.
Not Removing Existing Weeds Before Mulching
Don’t skip the important step of removing existing weeds before applying fresh mulch. While mulch is considered a great chemical free weed suppressant, you will have much better luck by removing weeds prior to laying down mulch.
According to HGTV, placing landscape fabric or plastic underneath organic mulch may keep your plants from reaping the benefits. “If you use an organic mulch that will break down, like shredded hardwood bark, avoid landscape fabric because you want the mulch to be in contact with the soil to improve it, Day says. Plastic or landscape fabric could prevent water and rain from reaching the soil, and actually could increase runoff. Weeds also could grow into the landscape fabric, she adds.”
Many of our clients lay newspaper down over the weeds, as an alternative to plastic.
The Amount Of Mulch
Applying too much mulch or too little, are common mistakes. To get the most benefits out of your mulch, it should be at least 3 inches thick. Any more can damage plants and shrubs. Any less and weeds will start popping up.
Not Using Quality Mulch
Getting mulch from an unreliable source is often a homeowners biggest pitfall. They can contain noxious weed seeds and even toxins. The best place to purchase garden material is somewhere who specializes in mulch and soil. They can help you decide what type of mulch is best for your project and how much you will need. If you are looking for convenience, ask them to have it delivered to your home.
