Rexius: Your Landscape - Filthy Rich Bark Mulch

Filthy Rich Bark Mulch is a fine grind Douglas Fir Bark Mulch used as a decorative ground cover, natural weed barrier and water conserving mulch. As a decorative ground cover we recommend 2 to 3 inches to adequately cover the soil and smooth out any uneven areas. On average, you will need to mulch at least 1 to 2 inches per year to compensate for natural decomposition and give your landscape a fresh new look. Additional mulch may be neededto reduce erosion of soil.

As a minimum to aid in weed control, and for proper insulation of plant roots, we recommend that you apply 3 to 4 inches of bark. It is best to spread bark in early spring or early fall before heavy weed growth periods. Thereafter apply 1 to 2 inches each year after to maintain proper depth and a fresh, clean appearance. If additional help is needed for better weed control, a poly fabric weed barrier may be used underneath the mulch. We would not normally recommend such products as visqueen for a weed barrier as it doesn't allow moisture and air to pass through to the plant's root system. At the customer's discretion, a variety of pre-emergent granular herbicides may be used in conjunction with the Bark Mulch for longer term weed suppression.

Use of mulch around your plants is necessary for proper insulation from the extremes of weather. Not only will the mulch reduce the erosion of soil during heavy rainfall, but it acts as an insulation blanket for the plant's roots, keeping the soil cool in the summer and warmer in the winter. And because of the natural fibrous nature of Bark Mulch it will retain moisture longer for the plants during warm weather.

Contrary to what some might think, Bark Mulch will not deplete nitrogen in the soil when used as a topdress mulch around plants. You will only need to compensate for nitrogen loss if the mulch is incorporated into the soil as a soil amendment. But as always, follow a regular fertilizing program for all your plants according to their individual requirements.