Trees are great – they produce shade, create framing for a house or building, provide shelter for songbirds, slow down the wind and snow and so many other benefits…but they can create a few problems, one of which is surface roots. Surface roots are not to be taken lightly – they create a tripping…
Tag: mulch
Mulching – Timing and Products
Weeds are a given. They’re a true guaranteed item in a field of gardening and lawn care variables. In lawn care, common sense turf practices and herbicides can be used to create a relatively weed free part of the landscape. In landscape beds, we turn to mulch. The key to mulch effectiveness is to apply…
Much Mulch
Are you kidding? Seeing a mound of mulch piled on a tree trunk conjures up images of a volcano with a tree sticking out of it. Why does this happen? Three reasons: If a little is good, more is better. Just like with adult beverages, potato chips, pop and buying clothes, excessive amounts are not…
Follow Up Care for Newly Planted Trees – Mulching
Mulching If a little is good, much more is better is not a good mantra for mulching. For the overall sense of proper mulching technique, take a cue from Mother Nature. In a forest or natural setting, you’ll commonly see a 2-4 inch layer of fallen leaves, stems, fruits and bark, often referred to as…
Newly Planted Trees, Shrubs, Perennials – Aftercare
You’ve installed some new trees, shrubs and perennials…now what? In order to keep them looking great, there are a few simple care steps that should follow planting, especially in June. A thorough soaking of water, followed by moisture monitoring. Nothing special here; use a sprinkler can to place water evenly throughout the entire root…
Warm Season Veggies
Cool season veggies are great – cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, cabbage and George Bush’s favorite – broccoli. As the soils warm however, the time for planting warm season veggies is upon us. Crops such as peppers, eggplant, squash, tomatoes and cucumbers thrive on warm growing conditions – 75 to 85 degrees F. Hopefully, your weekend project…
Too Mulch of a Good Thing
How much mulch is too much mulch?
Mulch Refresh and Expansion in Mid-Summer
Mid-summer brings lots of good things to experience in the Midwest. Picnics in the park, 4th of July celebrations, cook-outs and barbeque, sweet corn and watermelon, lighting bugs, vacations at the lake and watching your favorite baseball team. Unfortunately a few bad ones come with the good, one of which is summer heat and wind. …