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Mulch is essential to the health of your garden, providing protection to the roots throughout the year, allowing the soil to retain moisture, and adding nutrients back into the soil. Consider the following to ensure gardening success.

What’s the Ideal Way to Spread Mulch?

landscapingMulch is good for your plants.  If your landscape beds are established, about an inch of new mulch per year is needed. More may be necessary if you haven’t mulched in several years.  Newly planted landscape beds will need about 3 inches, as it will compact with rain and exposure.  The type of mulch you use will also determine the depth required.  

Common Types of Mulch in Kentucky

Hardwood:  This mulch is also referred to as living mulch, composted mulch or shredded hardwood mulch.  It goes down very dark brown and fades to a chocolate brown in a few days.  Hardwood mulch breaks down quickly and becomes good compost for your plants. This mulch will usually be a bit less expensive than some of the other types.

Color-Enhanced:  This mulch generally contains more wood fiber and is treated with one of several colors of dye to obtain the desired color.  This mulch holds its color longer and is a bit chunkier in texture.  As it is dyed, it can possibly stain concrete.  It also may need to be raked out every 5 years as it doesn’t break down like the hardwood mulch.

Rock Mulch:  This mulch is usually much more costly than wood mulches.  It requires a layer of landscape fabric beneath it, as the rock can settle without a barrier. Cost can range from $40.00 to $500.00 per ton.  Although it needs to be applied less frequently, maintenance is a bit more difficult as leaves and grass clippings can accumulate and should be blown out regularly.  Plants also receive no nutritional benefits from rock mulch.

Regardless of the type of mulch you choose, take care not to mulch up against the trunk of trees and plants, as this can have adverse effects. Keeping your mulch depth and application controlled can encourage trees to root more deeply and minimize girdling of the roots.

Find the landscaping materials that you require at Glynn Young’s Landscaping & Nursery Center in Lexington, KY. This family-owned and -operated business has been providing quality services since 1988. Their 6.5-acre garden center features a wide assortment of supplies and a team of knowledgeable landscape designers who are always ready to help. They grow and hand-tag many of the plants that are on the property and travel to discover new species to include in the inventory. Learn more about their services by visiting their website, or call (859) 885-6100 to set up an appointment.

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