Mulching As Part of a Spring Cleanup

On May 19, 2020 By Brendan WetzelIn Brendan WetzelLeave a comment

Brendan Wetzel is an established presence in the Bucks County, Pennsylvania, community who leads Yardley Landscaping Company. Committed to client satisfaction, Brendan Wetzel has extensive knowledge of everything from weed control to yard maintenance.

A key part of an efficient spring cleanup involves mulching. One way to keep your lawn strong and healthy is by mulching, which involves double-cutting your grass, then re-cutting it within the deck of a mulching mower. The latter has a deck that is spacious, rounded, and sealed, which provides the grass with room to move around. Strategically placed deflectors keep the grass circulating, with a specially shaped blade forcing grass clippings down to the turf after they have been re-cut.

The mulch breaks down quickly and provides the grass with nutrient-rich phosphates and nitrogen that stimulate new growth. At the same time, it provides a protective covering that helps to prevent weed growth and conserves water. On balance, mulch offers an economical, environmentally friendly way of reusing lawn trimmings that will also cut down on waste.

A Few Benefits of Mulching Your Lawn

On November 20, 2019October 20, 2020 By Brendan WetzelIn Brendan WetzelLeave a comment

When it comes to lawn maintenance, mulching is a step no homeowner should skip. One of the main benefits of routine mulching is weed control. Mulch forms a barrier between weeds and the surface, minimizing the amount of sunlight weeds can divert from plants and vegetables, which makes mulching particularly important in and around gardens.

Mulching is also highly beneficial to the surrounding soil. Organic mulch absorbs water, which helps minimize evaporation during watering. This is especially helpful in regions that experience hot, dry seasons, as it optimizes irrigation systems and helps homeowners maintain manageable water bills. Similarly, mulch also limits the amount of rain water that infiltrates and erodes soil.

Lastly, mulch can be a key weapon against insects and other pests. Mulch consisting of cedar bark, for example, has natural oils that repel a number of bugs. That said, homeowners must conduct their own research or consult with a landscaping professional prior to mulching, as certain mulch in various parts of the world can actually attract insects.

Tips on Applying Mulch to Your Flower Beds

On October 11, 2017May 4, 2018 By Brendan WetzelIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Preserving the beauty and health of gardens and flower beds is much easier if one knows how to apply mulch. It’s an easy and inexpensive venture that any homeowner would enjoy engaging in. Mulching not only aids in jazzing up the yard; it likewise helps in moderating soil temperature, retaining soil moisture, and suppressing weed growth. Here then are some advice for those planning to mulch their flowerbeds.

Firstly, decide on whether you prefer organic or inorganic mulch, as each has its own advantages and best conditions for use. An organic mulch is made up of shredded wood products that can vary in quality and consistency. You can opt for leaf compost, pine needles, or grass clipping for mulch. These break down over time and gives nutrients that enrich the soil. Apply organic mulches at least once a year.

On the other hand, an inorganic mulch is comprised of recycled rubber and stone products. Stones and rubber come in great variety and reduced problems with insects in and around the flower beds. But make sure to choose plants that are better adapted to this, and let the mulch surround them; don’t put the mulch directly on the plants. These mulches are likewise applied annually.

Both types of mulches should be applied 2 to 4 inches thick. If the mulch is too thinly applied, it won’t properly retain moisture nor suppress weed growth. Mulch tends to settle over time as it decomposes, so apply another inch more as a final thickness. Finally, it’s best to apply mulch in the early spring, just as your perennial flowers are beginning to grow.

Brendan Wetzel is a dean’s list philosophy student at Rider University. He was a recipient of the Dean’s Scholarship, Leadership Scholarship, and the Guy Stroh Philosophy Scholarship. He is President of Phi Sigma Tau, the International Honor Society of Philosophy. For more on Brendan’s interests, click here.