5 Ways to Whack Those Weeds

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!

3 Keys to Quality Playground Mulch

1. Proper Depth 
•  Having 8-12 inches of mulch depth will ensure a "bounce affect" when children fall on the surface.  This details is one of the specs in the ASTM certification. (American Society for Testing Materials)
2. Chipped vs. Shredded
• A quality playground mulch will have a chipped consistency rather than shredded.  This cuts down on splinters, and doesn't stick to socks nearly as much.
3. Non-dyed Material
• Most mulch dyes are not very mouth and hair friendly.  They might look pretty, but to a discerning 3 year old pallet, not so much.

Proper Mulch Depth

• The recommended mulching depth for organic mulches is 2 to 2.5 inches. At this depth, most mulches will accommodate the primary objectives of weed control, soil moisture conservation and temperature modification.
• Mulching depths less than 2 inches may not be effective in weed control; however, mulch applied 3 to 6 inches or more can lead to serious problems for landscape plants. A mulch that is too thick may severely reduce or eliminate drying and lead to water-logged soil, particularly during wet seasons.
• Excess mulch applied right against the trunk of trees in the landscape leads to constantly wet bark and conditions favorable for disease development which can potentially damage the tree.
• When reapplying mulch over an existing layer of mulch, bring the total depth up to 2 to 2.5 inches.
• Do not apply 2 inches of mulch with each application or soon a depth greater than 3 inches will accumulate. Some mulches break down at a much slower rate. Keep this in mind for future applications of mulch.

Free Mulch!

Be sure and "Like" us on Facebook, and "Follow" us on Twitter, as we'll be giving away free mulch throughout the fall season. 

Join us on these social meadia for a chance to have your home professionally mulched by our team later this year!

 

Mulch : Myth or Must

A lot has been said, studied and assumed about mulch and its value to a landscape.  But what are the actual nuts and bolts of ground cover?

Not questioned, is the aesthetic benefit mulch provides.  Available in every conceivable size, shape, color and material, mulches compliment foliage and accent the overall landscape picture.  But does it actually do anything aside from dress up curb appeal?

Mulching trees and shrubs is a good method to reduce landscape maintenance and keep plants healthy. Mulch helps conserve moisture --- 10 to 25 percent reduction in soil moisture loss from evaporation. Mulches help keep the soil well aerated by reducing soil compaction that results when raindrops hit the soil. They also reduce water runoff and soil erosion. Mulches prevent soil and possible fungi from splashing on the foliage ---- thus reducing the likelihood of soil-borne diseases. They help maintain a more uniform soil temperature (warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer) and promote the growth of soil microorganisms and earth worms.

        Mulches eliminate mowing around trees and shrubs and provide a physical barrier that prevents damage from lawn mowers and weed trimmers. A 2- to 4-inch layer (after settling) is adequate to prevent most weed seeds from germinating. Mulch should be applied to a weed-free soil surface.

In conclusion, mulch is a very cost effective way to care for you landscape.  By regulating soil temperature, moisture amounts and microorganism growth, a fresh ground cover benefits plants and will keep you smiling at your garden all year.

Atlanta's "East Lake Golf Club"

"We contract Southeast Spreading twice each year to spread pinestraw on our golf course, and once to clean-up pinestraw beds prior to installation, removing pine cones, sticks and so on. Southeast Spreading brings their own equipment, a foreman I can easily communicate with, and a team of employees who work and work and work until the job is done. I am amazed at the speed at which they spread nearly 6000 bales of straw while also edging the beds and cutting in the edges. I highly recommend Southeast Spreading for your pine straw and mulch installation needs."

Sincerely,
Ralph Kepple, CGCS
East Lake Golf Club
Atlanta, GA