Here are some general tips for mulch installation that may benefit anyone, regardless of what type of mulch you’re using.
Tip 1: Before mulching, your top priority is to clear the area you’re going to mulch of any weeds or grass. This is imperative – if you skip this step, it’s likely that the mulch will not be as effective at preventing undesirable weed and grass growth in the planting areas. This can be done either by hand or with herbicide. If you plan to use herbicide, please check to make sure the brand used will not harm any other plants nearby.
Tip 2: Another good tip for mulch installation is to determine the depth of mulch to apply depending on the soil drainage. You can utilize the mulch calculator to the right to determine the proper amount needed for your project.
Tip 3: Raking the mulch after applying it to the desired depth (usually 2-4 inches) is important as this not only evens out the layer but also increases the amount of air circulation to the plants. Additionally, it is important to check that there is plenty of room between the mulch and the base of the plant or tree. Since mulch holds in moisture, it should never come in contact with the stems of plants or tree bark because it could promote the growth of mold and could lead to rotting and other problems. As a general rule of thumb, there should typically be at least 2 inches (5 cm) of space between the base of a plant or tree and mulching material.
Contact Rocky Mountain Compost for all of your mulch needs!