5 Benefits of Adding Spring Mulch

When spring finally arrives after a long winter, you want to get outside and begin improving your yard. Planting spring flowers or getting your vegetable garden started are on the top of many DIY landscapers spring to-do list, but you don’t want to forget about mulching. Spring is the perfect time to refresh the mulch around your yard to protect your trees, plants and soil. Here are five benefits of spring mulching.

  1. Replace mulch lost during the winter. Winds, precipitation and storms during the winter months can remove mulch from your planting areas. Your ground cover may be sparse and need more mulch for protection.
  2. Mulch helps protect moisture levels. Before the hot weather arrives, you want to insulate your soil. Mulch can help trap moisture in the soil for healthier plants and to reduce erosion.
  3. Mulch can add nutrients to your soil. Biodegradable mulch can breakdown naturally. This adds nutrients to your soil, but also means mulch needs to be replenished as it breaks down and is lost.
  4. Reduce weed growth. Before weeds have a chance to overtake your landscaping and flower gardens, restore an appropriate layer of mulch. This helps deter weed growth and protects the aesthetics and health of your gardens.
  5. Improve the appearance of your landscaping. One of the immediate benefits of spring mulching is the way it looks. Fresh mulch can create a tidy, clean appearance for your yard.

Make sure to add spring mulching to your to-do list. Visit a quality landscape supplier to find the right mulch products – many can even deliver your mulch in bulk for convenience and a cost-effective option.

Posted on behalf of:
Green Brothers Earth Works
680 Franklin Rd, SE
Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 590-8220

Should You Mulch in the Fall?

Spring is the most popular time for mulching, but is it the only time to mulch? While adding mulch in the spring is a great idea to help reduce weed growth and improve the appearance of your landscaping, there are reasons to also mulch in the fall. Here are some benefits to adding fall mulching to protect your favorite plants and trees through the winter months.

  • Restore mulch layer. During the long summer, mulch can become displaced. Summer storms, irrigation and other factors can cause thin spots in your mulched areas that need to be replenished. You want to keep a 2-4-inch layer of mulch around trees and larger plants to protect their roots.
  • Prepare for winter. Cold weather can be detrimental to your plants. Mulch can help protect the root system and soil around your shrubs, trees and other important plants. A nice layer of bark or wood mulch can insulate roots and give them protection from the cold air and possible snow above.
  • Less work for the spring. If you only mulch once a year, it can be quite the chore. Spring is busy enough; cut down the workload in the spring by mulching in the fall. You will have much less mulch to spread, leaving you more time for planting and other spring projects.

Adding mulching to your fall chores can be beneficial to your landscaping and minimize the work needed in the spring. Visit your local landscape supplier to stock up on the best mulches for your needs. Many suppliers sell mulch in bulk amounts to save you money and can deliver right to your home to make it easier.

Posted on behalf of:
Green Brothers Earth Works
680 Franklin Rd, SE
Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 590-8220

Improve Your Tree Health with New Mulch

Mulch or beauty bark is often seen as a tool to tidy up landscaping around bushes and larger plants. However, it has a function beyond just aesthetics. Mulch can be used to protect the moisture in the soil and can add nutrients as it breaks down; it is also not just for bushes or shrubs. Mulch can be beneficial for trees of all sizes and an important aspect of keeping them healthy.

Why Should You Mulch Around Trees?

Trees may be the biggest plants in your yard, but they need protection and care. As the giants, they need more water and nutrients than other plants, but they must fight for what they get. Mulch can help protect the roots of your trees from damage and keep the moisture in the soil. The right type of mulch can also add nutrients to your soil that trees can use to thrive.

When Should You Mulch

Most mulch needs to be replaced at least once a year. Spring is a common time when mulch is replaced, getting the landscaping ready for the warmer summer months ahead. Keeping a layer of 3-4 inches of mulch around your trees can give them extra protection from root exposure and help improve the moisture of the soil. Plus, it has the added benefit of improving the aesthetics of your landscaping.

When placing mulch, make a 3-foot circle around the tree of no more than 4-inches deep of mulch, but keep the mulch away from the tree’s trunk. This will give adequate protection for the roots from the cold and heat, while preserving moisture. Talk to your local landscape supplier about the available options in mulch for your landscaping needs.

Posted on behalf of:
Green Brothers Earth Works
680 Franklin Rd, SE
Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 590-8220

Is Mulch Necessary for Your Plants and Trees?

You see mulch in most landscaping, usually around shrubs, bushes, trees and larger plants. Whether it is bark mulch, pine straw or another option, you will rarely see a professional landscaping design that does not use mulch. There is a reason that mulch is used by landscapers; they know it has many benefits beyond just a nice look. However, is it necessary to mulch around your plants and trees?

The quick answer to this question is no. No, it is not necessary to mulch, but it is a good idea. Mulch offers protection and insulation for the plants and trees you use it around. This helps protect the roots from cold weather and retains moisture in the soil. As mulch breaks down, it can add organic nutrients to the soil that can feed your trees and plants. Plus, it keeps weeds at bay that destroy the look of your landscaping and steal nutrients from your other plants.

All mulch is different, but it is usually best to add mulch in the spring and fall to replenish any that erodes or breaks down into the soil. Fall mulching helps protect roots during the winter and spring mulching helps give your plants the added moisture protection they need before summer.

All in all, mulch is beneficial for most larger plants and trees, making it an excellent addition to your landscaping. To determine what type of mulch is the best option for your landscaping, talk to your local landscape supplier who offers several types of mulch. They can help you decide which is best and how often it should be applied for the best results.

Posted on behalf of:
Green Brothers Earth Works
680 Franklin Rd, SE
Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 590-8220

Advantages of Adding Mulch to Your Landscaping

Fresh laid mulch can make your gardens and landscaping areas look neat and tidy, but there is much more to mulch than just appearance. Mulch is a landscaping staple for the many advantages it offers. Mulch comes in many forms, including many types of bark or wood mulch, pine straw and other options. Here are some of the advantages of adding mulch to your landscaping besides aesthetics. 

  • Moisture control. Mulch is often used to hold in moisture in the soil. During the hot summers, water is at a premium. Keeping the moisture in the soil saves on irrigation and benefits your plants, trees and shrubs.
  • Preventing erosion. Mulch can help prevent erosion of top soil, especially on slopes and hills, keeping the nutrient-rich soil in place to feed your plantings.
  • Protecting roots. Mulch is used to protect the roots of trees and shrubs. Spreading mulch around the trunks of trees and around large shrubs can benefit the health of these larger plants.
  • Weed control. Laying mulch can prevent weed growth and keep your landscaping neat with low maintenance. Weeds not only detract for the beauty of your landscaping, they steal nutrients from the other plants.
  • During the winter months, mulch can insulate the soil and anything underneath. Often mulch is used above in-ground plumbing or septic areas to prevent freezing.
  • Adds nutrients. Some mulches breakdown over time and add extra nutrients to the soil.

While it is not mandatory to use mulch in landscaping, the benefits are plentiful. To determine the right mulch for your landscaping needs, consult with your local landscape supply store.

Posted on behalf of:
Green Brothers Earth Works
680 Franklin Rd, SE
Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 590-8220

Time to Replace Your Mulch for Winter

Mulch helps make your landscaping look neat and tidy, but it also has functional properties. Mulch can protect your tree roots and help retain moisture in your soil. It can also limit weed growth, reducing your need to pull out weeds from your landscaped areas while adding nutrients to the soil. Many mulches can last a year or more, but a refreshing of mulched areas before winter is always a good idea for improved protection, while keeping your yard looking pristine.

So what type of mulch is best for your needs? There are several options, from different kinds of bark and tree mulch to pine straw. Here are some basics on some of the common mulches and their uses:

  • Pine Bark Mulch. Pine bark makes an excellent mulch, especially around trees and shrubs that enjoy an acid-rich soil. The pine bark can be dyed brown, red or black for aesthetic appeal.
  • Cypress Mulch. Cypress mulch is made from the entire tree, not just the bark. Like pine bark mulch, it works well for tree roots. It also has a pleasant odor and helps repel insects, which makes it a common mulch for use in playgrounds and daycares play areas.
  • Pine Straw. Pine straw can be an affordable mulch for large areas and works well for sloped areas where other types of mulch may roll or slide.

These are just a few of the mulches available to help landscape your yard. Talk to your local landscape supply store to determine which mulch will be best for your applications. You may want to use different types for various areas for aesthetic and practical purposes.

Posted on behalf of:
Green Brothers Earth Works
680 Franklin Rd, SE
Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 590-8220

Choosing the Right Mulch for Your Landscaping

Mulch is used for a variety of reasons in landscaping, from weed and erosion control to insulating tree roots and retaining soil moisture. However, there are many options when choosing which mulch to use. Most landscapers prefer organic mulches that breakdown and improve the soil, although inorganic mulches can also be used. Hardwood, pine bark, pine straw and even manure can be used as mulch, along with dyed varieties. Here are some of the uses for some popular mulches.

  • Cypress mulch. For playgrounds, cypress mulch is often used as it is a natural deterrent to insects. In some states like Georgia, daycare centers with outside play areas are required to use cypress mulch.
  • Dyed hardwood mulch. For attractive mulching, dyed hardwood mulch is an excellent choice. Mulch is usually dyed in browns, reds and black. Make sure the dyed mulch is eco-friendly, using dyes that won’t release toxins into the soil.
  • Pine Straw. Pine straw is a great covering for sloped areas. Pine straw mulch does not move as easily and can help deter erosion.
  • Pine bark mulch. For protecting tree and shrub roots, pine bark mulch is an excellent choice, especially trees that prefer an acid-laden soil.
  • Compost. Manure and even peanut shells can be used in compost mulch which can help protect soil while adding nutrients.

Still not sure which mulch will be best for your landscaping? Call your local landscape supply company that offers several varieties of mulch. They can help you choose the best mulch for your needs and offer you advice on how often to replace or add new mulch to your landscaping.

Posted on behalf of:
Green Brothers Earth Works
680 Franklin Rd, SE
Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 590-8220

 

The Right Garden Mulch

One of the best things you can do for your garden is to put mulch around flowers, trees and shrubs.  Mulch acts as a protective barrier around the plants.  It helps to control weeds, retina moisture, prevent soil erosion, and it gives gardens a more polished look.   Deciding which type of mulch to use depends on the situation and also personal preference. 

Shredded bark mulch is one of the most popular types of garden covers.  Bark mulch comes from a variety of sources.   It’s attractive around flowers trees and shrubs, and it breaks down slowly.

Shredded leaves can also be used as mulch, but they do break down quickly and may need to be replaced ever year. 

Evergreen trees lose hundreds of needles and those pine needles make an excellent mulch.  Pine needles add a delicate texture around plants.  Pine needles hold in place quite well which makes them a good mulch for slopes. 

Gravel or rock is often used around plants, especially trees and shrubs.  These are inorganic materials and do not breakdown over time like other mulches.   One of the main problems of using rock is that it often gets scattered throughout the lawn. Rock is also heavy and cumbersome.  If at a later date you decide to use a different type of mulch it can be difficult and time consuming to remove. 

Cocoa bean or cocoa shell mulch provides several important nutrients to garden soil.  However, if this mulch gets overly wet it tends to attract pests.  The sweet smell can also attract dogs and other animals, which may dig in or even eat pieces of the mulch. 

Because mulch is so important it’s a good idea to make the right decision in what type of mulch to use.   A professional landscaper can assist you in determining the best mulch for your particular situation.

Posted on behalf of:
Green Brothers Earth Works
680 Franklin Rd, SE
Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 590-8220

Advantages of Using Organic Bark Mulch

With spring just around the corner, it’s time to think about adding new mulch to your landscaping. Mulch is beneficial for protecting the soil, keeping in the moisture your plants and trees need. In addition, it can help with weed control, erosion and helps improve the aesthetics of your property. There are a wide variety of options at your disposal when choosing a mulch type, including organic bark mulch. For many purposes, bark mulch can offer several advantages over other varieties.

  • Add nutrients. Bark mulch is made from trees, which will decompose and add nutrients to the soil. Each type of wood breaks down at a different rate, with pine being one of the fastest while dyed bark mulch will decompose more slowly.
  • Longer moisture protection. While you can use grass clippings and compost for mulch, they tend to decompose faster, leaving your soil unprotected. Bark can last a year or longer, helping maintain moisture in your soil.
  • Weed control. Bark mulch is great for weed control, once again better than grass or compost, keeping those pesky weeds from sprouting up in your landscaping.
  • Cleaner yard. Using bark mulch makes for a cleaner yard, easily staying in place and keeping your shoes clean when you walk over it. Other types of mulch can stick to shoes and be washed or blown away in poor weather.

When you get ready to begin your spring planting and landscaping, make sure to invest in some beautiful bark mulch for your yard. Bark works great around the base of trees or in focal landscaped areas where you want to control weed growth. To save time, find a local mulch provider who offers delivery service.

Posted on behalf of:
Green Brothers Earth Works
680 Franklin Rd, SE
Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 590-8220

Mulch Uses and Types

Mulch is a commonly used in many different landscaping projects, both as decoration and as an insulator. While most people will think of wood chips as mulch, there are many different types of wood mulch, each of which are used for different purposes. Knowing the difference can help you choose the right mulch for your next gardening or landscaping project.

Types of Wood Mulch

Different varieties of wood are used in mulches, each with their own uses. Mulch breaks down over time, so using a mulch that will release the right nutrients into the soil is important. Also, some mulches will decay faster, which is not always preferable.  Here are a few of the more popular mulch types and how they are often used: 

  • Pine bark mulch. Typically, the quickest-decaying mulches are those made from pine bark. Since it will break down quickly, it is best used around trees or plants which do best with an acid rich soil.
     
  • Red oak mulch. Red oak mulch will last longer than pine bark before it begins to decay. Many people prefer the natural color of the red oak.
     
  • Cypress mulch. For playgrounds and other walking areas, cypress mulch is used due to its ability to repel mud and insects.
     
  • Dyed mulches. For aesthetic appeal, many people prefer dyed mulches to accent their gardens and yards. Dyed mulches also break down slower than both pine and red oak mulches. 

To ensure you get the best mulch for whatever project you are undertaking, consult with your local landscape supplier. They can advise you about which mulch will work best for your needs, and give you pointers on how to apply it.

Posted on behalf of:
Green Brothers Earth Works
680 Franklin Rd, SE
Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 590-8220