Mulching for Your Landscaping and Flower Beds

Garden mulching helps to reduce landscape maintenance. A good mulch layer helps control weed growth as well as retain moisture around the root systems of plants. Mulching also protects roots from freezing in the winter. We have seen more freezing temperatures in recent years around the Dallas area, so protection from freezing is important.

In our opinion, cedar mulch is the best to use. It compacts well around plants and is less prone to float, or find its way into your pool, etc. Cedar is an aromatic compost that termites and roaches do not like. This helps to keeps these pests from entering your home. Pine bark or hardwood attracts both termites and roaches. We do not recommend using pine bark or hardwood mulch. For landscaping care and advice, call 972-231-4675 for a landscape designer from Absolutely Bushed Landscaping.

Landscaping Compost for The Dallas Area

Any way you look at it, composting is a wonderful thing. It reduces the amount of waste in landfills and adds essential nutrients to your soil. In our experience, it is the single most valuable fertilizer for your garden plants. Many people think that they need a large space in their backyard for a compost pile. They also feel it may be smelly and bothersome. These are common myths that we are here to dispel. You can easily use any out of the way corner of your yard for composting. The only requirement is that it needs to be exposed to sunlight to generate heat for decomposition. You are fortunate if you’re in the Dallas area – our summers can be brutally hot and great for composting.

Making a Compost Bin

We recommend digging a hole at least 2 ft. deep by 2 ft. wide. Then, use some chicken wire to form a cylinder equal or slightly smaller than the diameter of your hole. The height of the cylinder is up to you. Just be sure it’s tall enough to allow for continuous layers of material to be added to it. Insert your cylinder in the hole. Now, you’re ready to begin.

For a less labor-intensive version, buy a product called the “Earth Machine” from your neighborhood hardware store. Or call SLUG (San Francisco League of Urban Gardeners) for prices and availability. This product costs about $25.00. Follow the simple instructions and you’re on your way.

You should never leave you to compost uncovered. This attracts flies, rodents, and other insects to your compost. Always cover your compost your compost with a layer of one of the above each time you empty it. This also makes your compost virtually odorless while decomposing.

Materials Appropriate For Composting:

all fruits and vegetables (with coffee grounds)
tea bags
eggshells
pieces of bread
grass clippings

Materials To Avoid:

all dairy products
eggs (excluding shells)
meats, poultry, fish, sea-fish bones
avocado pits
large branches or tree limbs
synthetic, non-biodegradable materials

Essential Compost Tip:

Before emptying, keep your compost in the freezer in a Tupperware bag. This does not change the decomposition time, but it does eliminate odor in the kitchen. If you have children, get them involved. This is a wonderful family activity and an ongoing science project. It’s a great way to get your kids excited about gardening.

If you need any help please call our office at 972-231-4675 or Contact Absolutely Bushed Landscaping today for help.