New rubber mulch almost always has a strong rubber smell for 2 to 3 days after installation. After installation, the smell fades. Rubber mulch that has been in place for a long time only smells strongly of rubber during hot weather. As the rubber heats up, it releases gases that carry the distinctive “new tire” …
Does Rubber Mulch Smell? [Why Does the Smell Come Back?] Read More »
Install mulch under your deck by first removing any plants, dead leaves, and other debris from the soil under the deck. Then, cover the soil under your deck with water-permeable landscape fabric. Next, install a border that will keep the landscape fabric in place and contain your mulch. Then, spread a non-wood mulch such as …
How Do You Mulch Under Your Deck? [5 Super Fast Steps] Read More »
You should always kill weeds before mulching your garden beds. A layer of mulch may smother some small weeds, but larger, established weeds will grow up through your mulch. To prevent future weed growth, prepare your garden by killing weeds and installing a layer of landscape fabric before mulching. Although pulling up weeds by hand …
Mulch begins to produce a manure-like smell when it is deprived of oxygen. When mulch is kept in large piles or stored in airtight bags, the bacteria that break down mulch create methane gas. A moist environment with poor air circulation traps this methane gas, resulting in a powerful manure smell. By spreading your mulch …
Mulch is not a fertilizer. Decomposing mulch is not capable of delivering a substantial amount of nutrients to your plants quickly. Although organic mulch gradually breaks down and provides a small number of nutrients to the soil, it does not match the benefits of fertilizer. Mulch does, however, help soil retain moisture and nutrients. So, …
Is Mulch a Fertilizer? [The Benefits of Mulch vs. Fertilizer] Read More »
Don’t spread compost on top of mulch. Exposure to sunlight will destroy the natural sources of nitrogen in organic compost. Plus, weeds will sprout in compost spread on top of mulch. It’s much better to rake mulch aside and spread compost directly on the soil. Then, cover the compost with mulch. This way, the mulch …
After excavating the ground for a playground or swing set, install two layers of geotextile fabric. This double layer of landscape fabric will prevent weeds from growing up through the mulch. It will also stop the playground from becoming a muddy mess. After you’ve laid the landscape fabric, pour 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) of mulch …
An adjustable head rake is the best tool for removing pine needles from mulch without disturbing your garden. Experiment with the adjustable rake tines to achieve a spread that grabs needles but doesn’t pull the mulch out of your flower beds. A shop vac or leaf vacuum is also great for plucking pine needles from …
How to Get Pine Needles Out of Mulch [4 Mulch-Friendly Tips] Read More »
It’s best to use an adjustable rake to remove leaves from mulch. Choose a rake with flexible tines that can be transitioned from a widespread rake to a narrow one. Use the narrow setting to remove leaves from mulch between plants without damaging your garden. You can also use a leaf vacuum or leaf blower …
How to Rake Leaves Out of Mulch [5 Tips for Fall Cleanup] Read More »
To stop weeds from growing through the mulch in your flower bed or vegetable garden, use these methods: Choose a high-quality mulch Weed before mulching Lay down landscape fabric prior to mulching Apply 2–3 inches of mulch Add a stone or brick border to separate your garden from your lawn Use a pre-emergent herbicide to …
How To Stop Weeds From Growing In Mulch [9 Fast And Effective Tips] Read More »
Organic mulches decompose naturally over time, adding beneficial nutrients to the soil and contributing to garden health. Whether you use bark mulch, wood chips, or an alternative organic mulch, it will eventually break down. Permanent mulches, such as rocks, rubber, or plastic mulch will not decompose over time. How Long Does it Take for Mulch …
