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