Mulch Pick-Up

• We are out of mulch for pickup.
• This program will resume in spring of 2025.

Using Mulch in Your Landscape

Mulch placed over the soil surface to maintain moisture and improve soil conditions in plant beds and tree rings is one of the most beneficial things a home owner can do for the health of plants and trees. Mulch reduces water loss from the soil, minimizes weeds, and improves soil structure. Mulch also provides a finishing touch to a landscape.

A 2-4 inch layer of mulch placed 3-4 inches from the tree trunk or shrub can provide the following benefits:

• Maintains soil moisture reducing the need for watering.
• Reduce germination and growth of weeds.
• Reduces damage to trees caused by weed whips and lawn mowers.
• Provides a complete, well-cared for look for your landscape.

Caution: Mulch will draw nitrogen from the soil. Using nitrogen-rich fertilizer prior to covering the area with mulch will offset the effect. Some soils are too rich with nitrogen and using mulch helps to reduce it to a recommended level.

What is a Mulch Volcano?

Too much mulch can be harmful to plants and trees. Ideally, mulch should be applied three inches deep extending to the dripline (tips of the branches). The mulch should resemble a donut/bowl shape and should not be covering any portion of the root flare at the base of the trunk. On younger trees, this bowl can be filled with water and will soak directly into the establishing root zone area.

Too much mulch is not beneficial and can lead to the following problems:

• Stress the plant and cause root rot.
• Stress stem tissues which may lead to insect and disease problems.
• Can affect soil pH and lead to micronutrient deficiencies or toxicities.
• Mulch piled high against the trunks of young trees may create habitats for rodents that chew the bark and can girdle the trees.

Types of Mulch

Mulches are available in inorganic and organic materials. Inorganic mulches do not decompose and do not require replacement annually. Organic mulches decompose and often require annual replacement or top dressings to keep the desired appearance. If you are seeking the true benefits of mulch, then you want to choose an organic mulch that will provide moisture retention and improved soil structure. Most inorganic mulches do not provide the benefits that organic mulches provide.

Organic Mulches

• Wood Chips
• Hardwood/Softwood Bark
• Cocoa Hulls
• Leaves/Compost Mixtures

Inorganic Mulches

• Stone
• Lava Rocks
• Recycled Rubber Products
• Synthetic Fibers