Mulch
We get many questions about the importance of mulching flower beds, around trees and in other landscaped areas of a lawn or Omaha business property. We believe that properly applying mulch is one of the most effective, time-saving measures that can be taken to keep plants and shrubs healthy and weeds at bay.
Above & Beyond CGM can simplify the process of deciding when, where, and how to mulch. We’ll also be happy to help you maintain those already mulched areas of your property, so your landscapes stay healthy and looking great your Omaha yard needs.
How To Mulch
It seems pretty straightforward, but there truly is a technique to correctly applying mulch. If the goal is to combat weed growth, it is vital to make sure that soil is already weeded before laying down a layer of mulch. Next, knowing how much mulch to lay down is key. It can actually take as much as a 6-inch layer to discourage weed growth completely. The thickness of the mulch needed is dependent on many things, including what is planted there and the amount of sunlight the area receives.
Used incorrectly, mulch can even cause more problems than it prevents. For example, mulch that does a great job of retaining moisture (like wood chips) can also slow soil warming in the spring. It is sometimes necessary to pull mulch away from the stems of emerging plants or vegetation to allow the soil to warm and to prevent the moisture from settling in one place, resulting in rotting of tender bulbs and plants. Rotting mulch can also attract rodents (like moles or voles) if it is left to pile up around the woody stems of shrubs or trees.
Above & Beyond Complete Grounds Maintenance can take the guesswork and hard work out of mulching at your Omaha home or business. Call us at (402) 934-8866 and let our crews do the mulching for you!
Kinds Of Mulch
There are really two basic kinds of mulch: organic and inorganic. Above & Beyond GCM has access to both and can help you decide which is best for your home or Omaha business property.
Organic mulches are made of materials that were once “living” such as wood chips, composted materials, chopped leaves, straw, grass clippings, or even shredded paper. Inorganic mulch materials include black plastics, landscaping fabrics, and even some rubber-based materials.
While both kinds of mulch can discourage weeds, only the organic versions do double duty and help to improve the soil as it decomposes. The inorganic types of mulch, such as the black plastic sheeting do a great job of warming the soil, especially in vegetable gardens. We don’t advise using plastic as a mulch under shrubs. These types of plants need to develop strong and deep root systems to be healthiest, and the plastic variety of mulch keeps air and moisture away which causes the roots to grow closer to the soil’s surface. Using landscape fabrics in these areas is another option, but they degrade over time and when exposed to light. Plus, they are really unattractive when they start peeking out from beneath the mulch that is laid on top and requires more frequent maintenance to keep these areas looking pristine.
Mulching is a labor-intensive activity but one that can really make a difference in the overall appearance and health of a Omaha lawn and landscape.
Above & Beyond CGM can simplify the process of deciding when, where, and how to mulch. We’ll also be happy to help you maintain those already mulched areas of your property, so your landscapes stay healthy and looking great.
