Landscapers - mulch questions

[RIJIMMY]

After 5 years in my house, its time to mulch. I have no clue what type to use and can use some advice. I see my neighbors out there every year and i did not know if there were any types of mulch that last longer than others. Also, I heard you should put newspaper under the mulch to stop weed growth, any truth to that?
Thanks , need to get this crap done before the fish get here......

[tattoobob]

I like to use the Hemlock, It's not that bright orange stuff. I have never had a problem with weed coming thru as long as you mulch every year. I usually use 3 yards a year which is about $100.00 delivered

[RIJIMMY]

Thanks TB< its that "mulch every year" that I am afraid of. Is there any stuff that lasts longer? Id consider cement ....... : )

[tattoobob]

I just do it because it makes my wife happy, A happy wife means a happy fisherman. I have just raked it around to turn the faded top mulch over. but there is nothing better than the smell of new mulch. I have seem landscapers use a black plastic or a slit type fabric to block weeds I don't know about newspaper

[JohnR]

I saw somewhere about mulch trucked in from Louisianna / Mississippi being infested with some kind of termite and that we should really beware - anyone hear of this?

[Karl F]

Guy at the Agway has a sign in the stock yard... "Canadian Mulch, contains no Louisiana termites"

[Sgt_Nutz]

We use Hemlock or sometimes a Hemlock blend(cheaper, but also has pine). Cant beat the smell. Got some big a$$ red ants one year that I think came from the mulch but made short work of them. That orange cedar mulch is expensive and stains everything. If you put down plastic or something the weeds will just grow on top. Matter of fact I think they will grow no matter what you do. Little round up works. But not near any shrubs or flowers. Rake it out and turn it over once in great while and hand pick the ones that still grow. Try not to let the lawnmower discharge blow onto it as it will just seed a new batch of weeds and grass. Edging around the mulch beds helps alot. Better hurry, the fish will be here soon!

[Raven]

it can rob trees or bushes of nitrogen if you don't fertilize the bushes and trees your spreading it around...because it's only partially decomposed. It can also affect the PH...

at least with the cedar mulches around the house theres alot less desirable area for bugs near your foundation.

[spence]

You'll need to mulch every year if you use any of the shredded natural mulch...although you won't need as much after the initial application.

Estimate how much and just get a truckload...it's a lot cheaper than bags unless you only need a small amount. Pretty easy, just don't pile it up to the sill of your house!

Personally I think the dark brown mulch looks best...it's composted more than the lighter mulch and will not last as long.

-spence

[Nebe]

Id use spent cocoa shells... but i am a yuppy in redneck's clothing

[spence]

Actually I believe coccoa hulls are insect magnets...

-spence

[Nebe]

didnt know that- boy they sure smell good though

[spence]

I thought I read that somewhere...

Too expensive anyway.

-spence

[Goose]

The darker the better,personel I like Black & Gold. It is the most expensive but holds a rick dark color all year. If you got alot beds find a good hemlock and put down a good 3" first application. You get what you pay for.

[ProfessorM]

I prefer the pine mulch right out of the chipper. I think it looks more natural. It is the cheapest, so am I, and it alllows the water to penetrate thru it better. I use the mulch for the purpose of keeping the ground cooler and to retain moisture. I usually get a dump truck full for around 150, I think 10 yards. Tree guys usually sell it. I find the hemlock and such actually replels the water after it drys out defeating the purpose I use it for, and very expensive. You will need to top dress the mulch every year of you are looking for aesthetics. No mulch up against the trunk of any shrubs, trees, bushes, etc.. P.