Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about Mulch:
1. Do you sell to the Public?
Yes, we do sell our mulch to residential customers as well as to commercial buyers.
2. What amount of mulch will I need to buy?
Typically, one cubic yard of mulch will cover an area approximately 80 to 100 square feet, at a depth of 3 to 4 inches, or 8 ft by 10 ft per yard. It is important to measure the area you wish to cover in order to avoid buying too much or too little.
3. Can’t I just buy a “truckload”?
Yes, you can, but keep in mind that trucks come in very different sizes, and will therefore hold varying amounts of material. That’s why we prefer to sell by the yard, so that you receive the exact amount you need for your project. Selling by the “truckload” and by the “scoop” are two ways the public can be misled by a seller. For example, you wouldn’t buy a “house full” of carpet without measuring to determine the exact amount you need.
4. What is your mulch made of?
Our mulch is 100% organic, with no chemicals or dyes of any kind. It is made from a combination of hard woods and bark, shredded at least 3 times and aged for about a year. Most companies use waste wood, such as pallets and scrap lumber, and then dye the wood to the desired color with chemicals. This type of mulch will have little nutrient or composting qualities, and dyed mulches have been linked to problems with insects.
5. What are the benefits of using mulch in my landscaping?
1. Mulch conserves moisture in the soil
2. Prevents crusting of the soil surface
3. Maintains a more uniform soil temperature
4. Reduces weed problems
5. Adds to the beauty of the landscaped area
6. How deep should the mulch be?
A depth of 3 – 4 inches is ideal. Care should be taken to avoid “piles” of mulch against the bark of your trees, as this can create problems with tree fungus.
7. How often should I mulch?
Experienced gardeners find mulching in Spring and Fall gives the best results, as long as a 3-4 inch total depth is maintained.
8. What if the mulch looks “bleached out”?
As time goes by, mulch will start to break down and release nutrients into the soil. If the surface starts to look “tired”, simply rake or use a “garden weasel” to expose the underneath layers.
9. Help!!! I’ve got mushrooms!
Although not appealing to the eye, the appearance of mushrooms is a normal occurrence, especially in periods of high rainfall and humidity. Remember, the mulch’s number one job is to retain valuable moisture, and this is what the mushrooms thrive on. Usually, uncovering and exposing the mushrooms to light and air will alleviate the problem.
10. What if my plants or grass are turning yellow?
A yellowing of grass or foliage indicates a nitrogen deficiency. Here in Southwest Ohio, the soil is abnormally clay based. Sometimes the introduction of organic mulch will highlight the soil’s nitrogen deficiency. It is always a good idea to fertilize the area to be mulched, before the mulch is applied to the beds. One to two pounds of any good fertilizer containing ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulfate added to a 100 sq. ft. area will do a good job to equalize the soil. If you are unsure of the content of your soil, apply fertilizer if you notice yellowing of plant foliage.
We hope this tip sheet will help to answer your mulch related questions.
At County Line Mulch we strive to produce the best 100% natural products for our customers. No, we aren’t the biggest, but we try to be the best. We just want to offer you:
THE BEST MULCH AT THE BEST PRICE.
Special thanks to Steve Bartels, Extension Agent, Ohio State University.
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