 | Justin Cawyer is the CEO of American Lawn & Landscape Inc., and has been in the landscape industry for 22 years. Starting out as a mowing service, their business has expanded to include everything from landscaping to fertilizing and weed control. For a complete list of services, you can see their ad in Names and Numbers, visit yardsbyamerican.com, or call 620-249-5700. |
Lawn, Garden & Landscaping
2012-08-01 14:57:11
What are your options in mulch?
Q- What are my options in mulch, and why would one be used over another?
A- As we discussed last month, there are two types of mulch, organic and inorganic. Last month, we covered the options in organic mulches, such as bark, hay, and cocoa hulls and some of the value they add to your gardening. This month we will cover your options in inorganic mulches.
Inorganic mulches are ones that do not break down and do not add any nutrient value to the soil. They do however, add vale to your gardening.
Here are some of the options in inorganic mulches:
• Crushed gravel and granite
• River rock or small stones
• Lava rock
• Sand
• Crushed brick
• Crushed graded recycled glass
• Landscape fabric
• Plastic mulch
• Shredded rubber
• Aluminized mulch
Even though inorganic mulches do not break down and add to the nutrients of the soil, they do have many benefits. Here are a few:
• Helps plants retain water in the root zone
• Helps conserve water by slowing evaporation
• Maintains more even soul temperature
• Protects and increases the root zone by providing temperature moderation
• Prevents or inhibits the growth of weeds
• Prevents or inhibits erosion
• Prevents the soil from forming a hard crust
• Prevents compaction
• Reduces the need for pesticide and herbicide
• Beautifies
Inorganic mulches are long lasting but still need to be replenished every few years as they tend to work down into the soil.
