Posts Tagged ‘landscape mulch’

What to Know When Buying Landscape Mulch

Tuesday, June 5th, 2012

In a report released this week by Angie’s List and ABC 6 News, the many benefits of rubber mulch for landscaping were discussed. Aside for the mulch adding aesthetic beauty to any yard or garden, there are many fringe benefits that come with rubber mulch.

For those looking to save a few bucks or to achieve the satisfaction of a do-it-yourself project Rubberecycle mulch is the way to go. Easy to install and requiring little maintenance, the mulch provides essential moisture and nutrients that help fight off weeds and pests.

“Typically mulch lasts about 9 to 12 months. It breaks down naturally, releasing nutrients down into the soil. Dyed mulch tends to hold a little bit better than regular hardwood mulch. It holds its color a little bit more,” said Gregg Pulley, a landscaper. And another bonus, it’s relatively cheap.

“When buying mulch, you can buy it by the bag or in bulk, and it’s usually about $20 to $30 per yard. If you are buying in bulk, keep in mind you’re also going to have a delivery fee; consider joining forces with your neighbors and having a large order delivered that you can share,” said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List.

It is a little-known fact that the color of the mulch you choose can affect he price. Brown and black are two of the most popular colors because they blend in with the landscaping well, and they are therefore more expensive. From among colors, red will be the priciest as it helps the landscaping pop. Recycled tire mulch is the cheapest rubber mulch, and is often found on playgrounds in the form of Playsafer mulch.

To figure out how much mulch you need find the area of the space by multiplying length times width, then divide by one hundred. Mulch is usually applied at an average of 3 inches deep, and one yard of mulch will cover 100 square feet, 3 inches deep, advises Pulley.

The report also explains that there are various consistencies of mulch to choose from, including coarse, shredded, and fine. The type of consistency will determine how fast the mulch decomposes, with the finer mulch types decomposing the fastest.

With summer in full swing and many outdoor items on sale, now is a great time to invest in rubber landscape mulch.

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Winter Flowers

Thursday, January 12th, 2012

Before winter, many gardeners prepare by mulching around plants and laying a protective coating above the soil, allowing the ground to huddle in and brave the cold. However, there are flowers that are perfect for winter – flowers that are extremely hardy, and can grow outdoors in any weather. Yes, we’re talking real flowers, not just little scrub bushes. Just remember that before planting these flowers it is important to use a generous amount of landscape mulch so that the soil is kept warm, and the flowers can thrive.

If planting indoors, the colors that winter flowers come in are varied. If the flowers are planted outside, however, the colors will be more limited to white, blue, violet, and the occasional yellow. This may be a good thing to keep in mind when purchasing rubber mulch for gardening, so you can coordinate the mulch with the color of the flowers.

The main plants in an outdoor winter garden will be shrubs and flower bulbs. Some good choices for flowers are Winter Aconite, Snowdrop Flower, and Witch Hazel.

The Snowdrop flower is referred to as the January birth month flower because it grows between late winter and early spring. The flower grows best in a cool climate; it needs some sunlight and some shade. The bulbs will dry out if not planted right away, and they require a period of cold weather before starting to bloom. They will bloom to their fullest potential in a cool climate. The Snowdrop Flower’s beauty remind some of a weeping willow in that they grow tall stems with beautiful white blossoms that droop to the ground, almost as if they are snowdrops falling from the sky.

The Winter Aconite is a vibrant yellow flower that looks like a cross between a Buttercup and a Crocus. This flower is extremely hardy, and can grow in almost any type of the soil, with adequate mulch and drainage. It is a small flower that carpets the ground, having short stems and dark green leaves. The Winter Aconite prefers shade to the sun, and is very low maintenance, sowing its own seeds and growing in number from year to year.

Witch Hazel is a winter shrub whose reddish-yellow blossoms give off a fragrant scent. This shrub grows very tall, and will grow well in either shade or sun. It, too, grows from late winter to early spring.

During the winter your garden does not have to be barren. With the right mulch and flowers, you can have beautiful blossoms all year round.

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Rubber Mulch as a Winter Coat for the Ground

Monday, December 19th, 2011

As the end of December nears and the cold weather makes a strong showing, don’t abhor the snow that is sure to come. For landscapers and gardeners, snow is actually good for the ground, helping to insulate plants while they retreat during the cold weather. The snow shields the ground from the sun and any unexpected rise in temperatures, as well as keeping it cold and packed hard. The protection provided by the snow helps pave the way for regrowth in the spring.

 

In fact, experts say that if you live in an area that doesn’t see much snow you should consider adding a layer of mulch to the ground before the cold weather sets in, as it will offer similar benefits to natural snow. In order to do this, first cultivate the soil surface so the ground is not too compacted. Then spread a layer of mulch. In the spring you will have to rake the top layer of mulch off the soil, revealing ground that is primed and ready to bloom.

 

When mulching, you can use a combination of organic mulches, wood chips, or rubber mulch. For the purposes mentioned above, rubber mulch is a choice pick. The synthetic tire mulch is made of hardy material that will withstand inclement weather and guard the soil beneath. Being more dense than wood chips, rubber mulch will also stay put, rather than flying off at the hint of a wind. Lastly, wood has a tendency to decay and decompose from rain and snow, resulting in black slivers and splinters spread over the landscaping. With rubber mulch, spring will find a neat pile of mulch, left exactly where you put it down.

 

Rubberecycle rubber mulch can be purchased online, at rubberecycle.com.

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Eco-Friendly Grass Alternatives, Part 2

Thursday, November 10th, 2011

As discussed in the previous post, grass takes a huge toll on the environment, as well as your wallet. Groundcover, rubber mulch, and ornamental grasses were discussed as good alternatives to natural grass. There are a few more options that will also take the place of grass at a lower cost financially, and to the planet.

Clover is a leafy plant that comes in various forms. It is used to condition soil and to choke out weeds. It is a good alternative to grass because it needs little watering or mowing, and no fertilizer. It also stays green throughout the summer, and costs little to purchase. The plant only grows to about four to eight inches high. It should not, however, be used in play areas or areas of constant use.

Flower and shrub beds are an excellent option for areas of low usage, and are great for sloping, hard to mow areas. Shade-loving flowers can be planted beneath trees or overhangs, areas where grass may have a hard time growing. They will also add to the aesthetic appeal. When planting flower beds, it is important to mulch around the plants. The mulch will keep the soil moist, and protect it from weeds. You can choose from a variety of options, including rubber mulch for landscaping, leaf mold, sawdust, and other options. Flower and shrub beds should be planted raised, and with a small variety of flowers.

There are many great alternatives to grass in a garden or lawn that will retain a pretty effect, with benefits to all involved parties. The specifics will be individualized to the garden in question, but in almost any area, some of the grass can be eliminated with creative alternatives.

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Eco-Friendly Grass Alternatives

Tuesday, November 1st, 2011

Large, beautiful lawns of grass bring beauty to any area, but they can cost the environment greatly, aside for monetary expenses. Lots of fuel must be used for lawn mowers, lawns consume lots of water, and there are toxic emissions, among other concerns. There are many excellent alternatives to grass that will provide a beautiful garden or lawn without using natural grass.

Groundcovers are plants which spread across the soil, but do not grow high. They can be used as a form of mulch, and they are usually chosen for texture, density, and how well they prevent weeds. Unlike grass, these plants require little or no maintenance. Common forms of groundcover are flowers such as perennials and evergreens, and edible forms, such as strawberries.

Rubber mulch is excellent for permanent walkways, pathways, and driveways. It is also used around plants. Landscape mulch is aesthetically pleasing to the eye, and is commonly used in backyards and playgrounds. Rubber mulch comes in numerous colors to fit and enhance any landscaping design. Because of its synthetic nature, the rubber surfacing also needs little or no maintenance, resulting in no cost to the environment. In fact, it is made out of recycled tires, benefitting the environment.

Ornamental grass comes in many forms, and is synthetically produced. The grass is drought resistant, and requires little maintenance, utilizing a lot less fertilizer and water. Ornamental grass looks exactly like naturally grown grass, with less cost to the environment.

Rubber mulch is one of many excellent alternatives that can keep lawns beautiful, easily maintainable, and eco friendly.

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