Mulch, Pine Straw Or Decorative Stones Finish A Landscape Project
Mulch, pine straw, or decorative stones provide
a finished look for your landscape project. Each of these
materials result in a different look. Maybe you have new trees,
shrubs, flowers, or a hard-scape feature all installed.
Now it is time for the final step in your landscape project.
It is important to know the difference between the three different materials.
Mulch is a very popular product today. There are
several different varieties out on the market. The organic type
is good to use. When meeting with my clients, we talk about the
advantages and dis-advantages of this material. To me, mulch can either
represent a formal or informal look. One of the first steps for you to
think about is what grade of ground mulch do you prefer. There are
three different phases to grinding this material. Once, twice, or
three times grinding through a machine.The bark of the tree is the
best part to use. The more times the batch of wood is grounded,
the finer the mulch will become. I recommend the bark or wood be
grounded at least twice. The cost for you may be a little bit more,
but worth the few extra dollars.
There have been concerns about termites
in wood products. The product that has been through the grinding process
is safe to use in and around your foundation. If the material hasn't been grounded,
there will be larger pieces of wood and a change of infestation of termites, and
other insects. Always check with your suppler on what specifications they
do when grinding the bark.
Another item to consider is the color. The hard wood material comes in light and dark brown.
Cedar has a orange - red tint to it. One word of caution if you are considering cedar mulch.
A dye is usually put into the cedar material and can stain your driveway or lawn. Look at
the colors of your brick, siding or shutters. What color would match well with any of
these features? This material is measured by cubic yard.
Plant around a Tree
explains the steps in buying mulch at a nursery. Playground mulch is the one of the best to use, but it is somewhat more expensive to purchase.
The playground material is finely shredded of good quality bark. Many child care centers and schools are using this particular type.
Pine nuggets are popular and will last longer. Over time this material may loose its color. You will need to refresh the landscape area
either every six months, or once a year.
Pine Straw represents a natural feeling of being out in nature. The Pine straw comes
in bales. Usually one bale will cover forty to sixty feet, one to two inches thick.
Pine straw is easier to install then mulch. It will also tend to loose its color after a period of time.
The pine will turn a shade of gray and you will have to refresh the area the same as mulch, every
six months or annually. Pine straw does have some acidic levels and is great for certain types of
plants that thrive in an acid base environment.( Azaleas in the south love the pine straw)
If you have pine trees around, let the needles from the tree collect the ground and use it in your
landscaped area. Prices range depending on your geographic location. Your cost will usually run anywhere
from two to four dollars per bale. You have a big advantage if you live on a farm with pine trees,
as the needles will naturally fall onto the ground. Pine is safe around foundations, children or animals.
One word of caution, every once in awhile you may find a a vine with thorns in a bale. I recommend
wearing gloves. Did you know that birds and other small creatures will use the pine straw to make part
of their nests? If you are planning a relaxed landscape project, and want to feel as if you are walking
through the woods, pine straw may be the answer.
Decorative Stone is a third alternative in finishing your landscape project. The stones are usually cut in
one, two, or three inches in diameter. There are several different colors to choose from. Decorative stone
creates a look of formality in garden areas. The rocks will last longer than pine straw and mulch. You can
purchase stone in bags at a local store, nursery, or garden center. Some nurseries and garden centers will
carry the decorative stone in bulk. Depending on the size of your project, they will deliver the stone usually starting
with a half ton. Pick up trucks are great for getting the rocks to your home, but also a lot more work for you.
Delivery fees can run twenty to forty dollars. If you have a sunny location be careful about putting stark white
stone in a bed, as the sun reflects off the white color. In partial shade or full shade, the white rock creates a very
clean and crisp look. An idea for you to think about is using the stone in certain beds, and pine straw or mulch
in other beds. Consider the stone around a few trees or any outdoor feature such as a bird feeder, sun dial, container
gardens or decorating around a pond or pool area. You also can purchase pebbles. These flat stones are smaller
in size and great for walkways.
Whether you are planning a full scale landscape project incorporating a few new beds, or tired of what is presently
there, consider the above possibilities. These three materials can improve the appearance of your home. Remember to include
this step in your planning phase. Take a look at
plan-prep-plant and finish with mulch, or pinestraw
and understand the importance of the planning phase. I hope this article has helped you in the decision
making process of applying the final material in your outdoor venture.
