mulch mastering
Begin Your Journey To becoming a Green Thumb Guru with our DIY Mulching Guide. Everything you need to know to get started on the project and how Butch Services is here to help!
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Starting with Step one is the most important part of setting your project up for Success
Lets get smart on How To Buy
choosing the right product for your project is an important decision, lets start by comparing your options
Organic Mulch: Shredded hardwood, straw, or pine bark are excellent choices. They enrich the soil, suppress weeds, and retain moisture
Enriches soil as it breaks down.
Consider regional availability and acidity effects.
Examples: Shredded hardwood, straw, pine bark.
Cedar and cypress blends are long-lasting and insect-repellent.
Apply wood mulch yearly for consistent coverage
Avoid Inorganic Mulch: Rubber nuggets or plastic sheeting can hinder water absorption and harm plantsIncludes rubber mulch or stone chips.
Doesn’t break down but lacks soil enrichment.
Choose based on aesthetics and practicality.
Select the Right Mulch: Consider aesthetics, decomposition rate, and regional availability. Opt for organic mulch if you want soil enrichment. Avoid rubber mulch if you prefer natural options
Lowe’s offers a variety of mulch brands, each with its unique features and benefits.
Here are the top 5 bagged mulch options available at Lowe’s
NoFloat Cypress Mulch:
Cypress mulch that resists floating away during heavy rains.
All-natural Cedar Mulch:
Made from cedar wood, which naturally repels insects.
NuScape Rubber Mulch:
Available in brown, red, and black colors.
Made from recycled rubber, providing long-lasting coverage.
EZ Straw Organic Bagged Mulch:
Made from straw with a 1-year color guarantee.
Controls moisture and is 99% weed-free.
Forest Pine Bark Nuggets Mulch:
Large 2-4 inch nuggets that retain moisture.
Natural pine color.
Calculate the Amount of Mulch Needed
Purchase Plenty of Mulch: Don’t skimp on mulch. A generous layer ensures better weed suppression, moisture retention, and soil insulation. Aim for consistent coverage3.
Use this simple formula:
Measure the square footage of the area you plan to mulch.
Aim for a 2-4 inch layer of mulch.
Multiply the square footage by the desired mulch depth (in inches).
Divide the result by 12 (since 1 cubic foot of mulch covers 12 square feet with 1 inch of mulch)
Use a mulch calculator to determine the quantity required1.
Lay It All Out Planning a clear project area is essential to getting the job done right
-from ordering enough mulch to loving your results-
Tidy Up and Prep Garden Beds: Before mulching, remove any weeds, debris, or old mulch from your garden beds. This ensures a clean surface for the new mulch and prevents weed growth
Create A Footprint
Decide Exactly Where to Mulch with a “Mulching Footprint”: Focus on high-traffic areas, around trees, and garden beds. Create a defined mulching area to avoid overdoing it or leaving gaps
Weed Removal: Clear out any weeds, grass, or debris from the area. A clean surface ensures effective mulch coverage.
Edge the Beds: Create a clear boundary by pulling back old mulch from the edges. This prevents mulch from spilling onto walkways or lawns.
Tools That May Help You For This Step include:
A Shovel for cutting precise borders
Weed Wacker for cleaning up edging
A Tamper for resetting stones (if necessary)
Picking A Proper Delivery Site is a key part of planning to ensure efficiency in the completion of your project
decide between bagged or bulk and chose a central location to wheel barrel from. It’s a good idea to take a picture of the exact site when getting a delivery to send to the drivers to ensure flawless and efficiency drop off. Depending on the nature of the delivery and the duration of the project it is important to keep in mind proper storage procedure. Fresh mulch should smell like fresh wood. If stored, turn the pile every two weeks to prevent spoilage.
Here’s how to apply mulch like a pro
Mulching Techniques
Unload the Mulch: Use a wheelbarrow to transport the mulch. Dump it in several spots across the area.
Spread Evenly: Use a hard rake or pitchfork to distribute the mulch evenly. Avoid piling it against plant stems.
Smooth the Surface: Use a soft rake to create a uniform layer. Fill any gaps and ensure a neat appearance.
Blow Off Excess: Remove mulch from plants, rocks, and pavement using a leaf blower
Allow Breathing Space: Don’t make the mulch layer too dense. Air circulation is essential for healthy plants
Tip: Water and Feed Before Placing Mulch: Hydrate your garden beds thoroughly before mulching. Apply any necessary fertilizers or soil amendments. The mulch will help retain moisture and nutrients
Benefits of Mulch
Weed Reduction: Mulch blocks light, preventing weed germination and growth.
Moisture Retention: It reduces water evaporation from the soil.
Erosion Control: Mulch helps keep soil in place.
Soil Insulation: Protects plant roots from extreme temperatures.
Beautification: Mulch ties together your landscape’s appearance
