Landscape - Lawn Maintenance - Tree Service-Longwood FL

FREE Landscaping Estimate Call (321) 377-4393 Today For A No cost No Obligation Quote

You are here: Home / Archives for Mulch

Mulch

Central Florida Mulch Review

By

Central Florida Mulch Review
Central Florida Mulch review

Your Central Florida Mulch review  covers landscaping mulch that home owners use as ground cover to promote beautiful beds for shrubs and plants,we understand there a many type of mulches available,

to keep this from becoming a science report we want to highlight the most common mulch’s that Homeowners in Central Florida use.This is a residential mulch review not commercial mulch review.

Also keep in mind since dyed colored mulch are a personal preference we will not base our decision on color in this review.

Mulch is usually applied in Central Florida around April

This is the start of the spring growing season also signals a time when you can start to replace dead grass with some new sod , and this may need to be reapplied as necessary through out the year.

The  purpose mulch serves is to initially warm the soil by helping it retain heat which is lost during the night.Mulch encourages faster plant growth. As the season progresses, mulch stabilizes the soil temperature and moisture, and prevents sunlight from germinating weed seeds.

In Central Florida, the effect of mulch is dependent upon the time of year at which it is applied

Mulch tends to slow changes in soil temperature and moisture content. Mulch, when applied in early spring, will slow the warming of the soil by acting as an insulator, and will hold in moisture by preventing evaporation. Mulch, when applied at  peak soil temperatures in mid-summer, will maintain high soil temperatures further into the autumn (fall). Mulch prevents sunlight from reaching the soil surface,  reducing evaporation. mulch can absorb some light rainfall which would normally evaporate when exposed to sunlight,preventing absorption into the soil, heavy rainfall is able to saturate the mulch layer, and reach the soil below.

In order to maximize the benefits of mulch

while minimizing its negative influences, it is often applied in late spring/early summer when soil temperatures have risen sufficiently, plants should be well established to be able to cope with the increase in the numbers of slugs and snails provided for them by the mulch. As mulch decays it enriches the soil.

Mulch made from wood can contain or feed termites, so use care by not placing mulch too close to houses or building that can be damaged by those insects. Some mulch manufacturers recommend putting mulch several inches away from buildings.

There are several types of mulch that provide excellent ground cover the most common residential mulches are.

  • Hay and Straw 
    We Never recommend hay for mulch,only on new lawns that have just been seeded. Straw decomposes rapidly. Straw is not very ornamental and is best for a vegetable garden or over newly sown lawns. Straw will improve the soil as it decays the primary reason it is used to cover newly seeded turf.

 

  • Pine Bark 
    Pine Bark could be a good long lasting mulch choice because it actually contains natural waxes that make it somewhat waterproof .We recommend A 2- to 3- inch layer of pine bark for weed control. Pine bark is a good looking dark-colored mulch. It can be purchased in various particle sizes, from shredded to large-sized particles, called nuggets. Large pine bark will float in water and may not stay in place during a heavy rain. Pine Bark may also attract termites and other insects.

 

  • Shredded Hardwood Mulch
    Shredded Hardwood Mulch does not wash away easily. It decomposes relatively slowly,Hardwood mulch also adheres nicely to the ground and it is very attractive.Shredded hardwood mulch works well at keeping ground temperature stable and deters weed growth. Shredded hardwood lasts longer than other wood mulch.Hardwood mulch can be bought in many colors. The colors are varied by the blend of trees used in the mulch. Maple makes a light brown mulch, and oak and cherry make the deep brown color mulches. These dyed versions, however, can lose their color in about a year, depending on the quality. The amount of dye and length the time the dye is allowed to dry factors in on the longevity of the dye.

 

  • Wood Chips
    This material contains bark and pieces of wood of various sizes and makes an attractive mulch. A 2- to 3- inch layer of wood chips provides good weed control. Small wood chips decompose very rapidly using nitrogen from the soil, nitrogen can be replaced with fertilizer. Wood chips may attract termites and other insects.

 

Matts Meticulous Landscaping recommends shredded Hardwood Mulch

Our best choice for mulching your flower beds and shrubs the reason?The hardwood mulch stands up to the elements better and last longer than the other mulch types.If you have questions about mulching your yard you can e-mail us @  mattsmeticulous@hotmail.com  or call 321-377-4393  either way we can answer your mulching questions.

Don’t forget to also ask about our spring Mulch specials we do all the work you get all the compliments on your beautiful landscaping.

call  now 321-3774393   To talk with our landscape mulch experts

How To Achieve The Perfect Lawn

By

In your opinion you have achieved the perfect lawn – green, lush, soft to the touch and high in maintenance. Many people work very hard to have the “perfect lawn”. Is there really a perfect lawn and how much maintenance is too much?

The perfect Heathrow lawn for your home is in the eyes of the beholder.

Today there are lawns centered on native plants and requiring minimum maintenance which are considered perfect by some. These lawns are called xeriscaping from Greek “xeros” – dry and “scape” – view or scene. This type of landscaping consist of plants that grow slowly and can endure drought conditions. One benefit of this style landscape is lower water and maintenance costs.
In order to achieve a xeriscaping yard, certain factors must be considered and implemented.

lawn service Heathrow FlFirst and foremost there must be a plan with Central Florida rainy summers and semi dry winters, Evaluate your yard as to what elements you are working with – flat, sandy, sunny, shady, rocky, soil content, and any other aspect. Once this is determined, design the xeriscaping working with what your yard offers.
During the planning phase think native plants since these are plants that have adapted to your area. The makeup of these plants are better equipped to handle the various climate conditions of the region thereby requiring less upkeep. Native plants can also stir memories of day gone by – playing in your grandmother’s yard.
Just because you decide to use native plants does not mean your soil has the proper nutrients. The soil needs to be loose and able to hold water; this aids root growth. By adding some type of organic compost your soil will improve and give better plant and root growth. Have your soil tested to see what may need to be added this is where a Longwood landscape designer comes in to play they have a very good understanding of the soil and know what your yards nutrients will be lacking .
Next, decide the appropriate spot for each grouping of plants. Even native plants have different requirements and maintenance needs. Always separate plants that need water as compared to drought resistant plants. By doing this the correct amount of watering can be given to each group.
Plants that require plenty water can benefit from mulch. Mulch will not only retain moisture but also aid in decreasing erosion and weeds. Gravel mulch, which is longer lasting, can be used to form walks or highlight certain areas of the yard. An option instead of mulch is ground cover, especially drought resistant ones. During droughts the plants will become dormant then with rain the green will return. An example of native ground covers are sunshine mimosa and beach sunflower.
The xeriscape area does not have to be just plants and mulch. The addition of garden sculpture as well as decorative rocks can enhance the beauty. Small fence pieces can be added to give depth and backdrop.
Having a xeriscape yard doesn’t mean maintenance can be forgotten. Yard work may be at a minimum, but still needed. Moisture levels need to be monitored and some weeding and pruning may be necessary.
There are experts in this field like Long wood Landscape company Matts Meticulous Landscaping they can assist you in developing the xeriscape that is best suited for your area. Enjoy the planning process and reap the benefits of a unique landscape with xeriscape helping you make your Home your  Paradise .