Top Things You Need To Know Before Purchasing Mulch

Posted by Oakford Firewood on March 11th, 2021

A layer of cheap mulch Perth over the soil has a lot of benefits to your plants. It keeps the temperature steady, insulates the soil and protects the roots from hot spells and cold snaps. It also keeps the moisture in the soil from evaporating so you do not have to irrigate often. Mulch shades out weed seeds so they do not get the light to sprout. In a ring around the trunks of your trees, mulch can keep lawnmowers and bark-chewing string trimmers at a safe distance. If it is an organic mulch then the benefits are even more because it breaks down to feed organisms that in turn make the soil a better place for the roots of your plants. Here are a few important things you need to think about when shopping for mulch.

The source of the mulch

Most organic mulches, apart from straw are by-products of the lumber industry. It is recommended to purchase bagged mulches from good home-improvement stores, garden centres or bulk mulches from experienced and reputable landscape supply companies since their mulches are likely to be safe and clean.

However cheap mulch such as that sold in gas stations my contain toxic chemicals, lead paint or metals which can be harmful to your plants. You should never purchase cypress mulch even if it is widely sold by mulch stores – such mulch may come from clear-cutting virgin trees.

Purchase mulch for its purpose

Before you even choose a mulch company, you should know why you are purchasing the mulch. Consider your plants when choosing mulch. Medium-textured mulch will work in most places. However, in a permanent layer around your trees, big chunks of mulch will last longer. You will not want to dig through them in perennial beds so you should use something finer. Use something that decomposes easily or something fluffy in vegetable beds. Recycled glass, gravel mulch or recycled tires will cover the ground but will not improve the quality of your soil as organic mulch and the pieces stray all over the yard.

You can help your mulch deter weeds by applying an underlying layer of garden fabric underneath your mulch. This option is suitable if you do not want to dig there. Replenish and tidy your much periodically in order to keep your fabric hidden. The colour of the mulch you choose is a matter of taste and preference.

Bulk or bag

Much usually comes in bags or by the truckload. Bagged mulch is more expensive but it is easier to handle. If you buy bagged mulch, you can purchase different kinds of mulch for different uses. Bulk mulch can be bought from landscape supply companies or garden centres. The prices vary so it is important to shop around to get the best deal.

Plan ahead

You need to plan ahead before you buy your cheap mulch Perth. You should figure out the area to be mulched to know the quantity of mulch you need. You should also consider the types of plants you have and the best mulch for them.