LANDSCAPE MULCH

Landscape mulch provides the following benefits:

• retains moisture for plants
• discourages weed growth
• reduces erosion
• insulates plant roots from temperature fluctuations
• adds beauty to the landscape

Mulches are organic and, while less friendly to weeds than soil, weeds can grow in them. Weed seeds will blow or be carried into your mulch. Usually, weeds in mulch are easily pulled or severed with a pointed shovel. We recommend a quick walkthrough and weeding every time you mow the grass. This routine will keep the mulched area looking good and requires minimal effort.

During periods of high humidity and warm temperatures, you may find mushroom-like fungus growing on new mulch. This growth will go away when the weather conditions change. You can help to eliminate the growth by "stirring" the mulch in the affected area with a rake to "air it out".

We have a few suggestions to help keep mulch effective as a weed barrier as well as looking good:

• Try to keep the mulch clean of any foreign material such as grass clippings and leaves. They contain weed seeds and will deteriorate into organic material for new weeds to grow in.
• There are chemicals that can help control weeds in mulch if desired. However, be sure to visit with a professional at Bachman's to obtain the correct product and learn how to use it safely.
• The depth of mulch shrinks over time due to settling and decomposition. Consequently, at some point you will need to add to the existing mulch to restore it to the original depth.