Springtime marks the arrival of warmer days and blossoming flowers, providing you with a chance to spruce up your outdoor space!
Spring also marks the reemergence of pesky weeds intent on killing your plants! So, what can you do? Mulch, mulch, and mulch with a pre-emergent!
Why mulching with a pre-emergent herbicide is essential
Weeds always try to steal nutrients and water from your beloved plants while making your carefully tended landscaping appear unkempt.
Luckily, there's a simple solution: mulching. By laying down a thick layer of mulch, you create a barrier that blocks sunlight, depriving weeds of the energy they need to sprout and grow.
But for even greater weed-fighting power, consider complementing your mulch with a pre-emergent herbicide. This powerful combination forms a strong defense, creating a double layer of protection against those pesky weeds.
Here are some benefits of mulching:
Soil temperature regulation.
Soil enrichment, even as plants decompose.
Moisture conservation to keep your soil from drying out.
Gives you a beautiful landscape.
With this dual approach, you'll maintain a very nice garden all season long, freeing up your time for more enjoyable activities.
Choosing the best mulch for your landscape
When selecting the right mulch, there's a lot to think about. Here are some options to consider:
Shredded hardwood: This option works well for flowers and garden beds and remains a classic and timeless option for many homeowners
Wood chips: Here, the pieces aren't shredded, so they are larger and break down less quickly. They're suitable for trees and shrubs.
Straw or hay: These are popular options for vegetable gardens. They're not necessarily great to look at, but they work efficiently to control weed growth in the landscape.
Inorganic rock mulch (pea gravel or larger stones): You can also use inorganic mulch materials like big stone or pea gravel. However, they don't offer some benefits of organic mulch. To get the best results, a layer of porous landscape fabric should be underneath.
Other factors to consider
Certain types of mulch may be easier to find than others, depending on where you live. Check with local nurseries or landscaping suppliers to see what's readily available in your area.
You should also assess the environmental implications of the mulch you choose. Some mulches, like cocoa shells or dyed varieties, may have a larger carbon footprint or other environmental concerns. Choosing locally sourced or organic mulch options can help reduce your impact.
How much mulch will do?
Think about how you'll be applying the mulch. Are you covering a large area or just a few flower beds?
So, aim for a layer of around 1 to 2 inches thick of hardwood mulch to ensure your plants get the most benefit. Too little mulch won't provide enough protection, while too much can create problems like suffocation or water blockage.
Getting the timing right
Timing plays a significant role in the success of your mulching efforts. Although spring beckons for mulching, resist the urge to lay it down too early when the soil remains cold.
Instead, wait until the soil temperature has risen to at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This delay allows your mulch to provide optimal benefits, aiding your plants in flourishing as the season progresses.
Finally, give your plants some breathing room by leaving a few inches gap between the mulch and the stems of your plants. This simple step can help prevent issues like rot, keeping your garden thriving all season.
Get help with spring mulching to protect your plants from the roots up!
Springtime is the time to prepare your soil and plants for beauty ahead of the warmer months of the year, and mulching is a key part of that process.
If you need help deciding which mulch to choose or don't have time for the job, let the Lehigh Valley landscapers at Hursh's Landscaping handle it! Our experienced team will assess your needs, suggest the best mulch, and expertly apply it.