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Mulching and Hedge Trimming
Mulching:
Mulch should be applied no thicker then 4 inches with 3 inches being the optimum depth. Mulch should never be applied up against the trunks of trees or shrubs. Mulch against a trunk can hold moisture against the trunk causing damage, provide insects with a cozy living and eating environment, and breed disease.
Mulch that is too thick can hold too much moisture and block oxygen from the soil. A finer mulch is preferred as it breaks down quicker providing nutrients to the soil.
Fall mulching should consist of removal of all old mulch and weeds in bed. Turning of the soil should be followed by a layer of newspaper covered by 1 to 2 inches of fine mulch. Fall mulch should decompose through out the winter and be ready to be turned into the soil with the newspaper in the Spring.
During the Spring we check beds pulling weeds by hand and turning the existing mulch from fall. If the mulch appears diseased we remove it. If we are to trim and prune hedges we do so before adding new mulch.
We clean up the edge with and edger and shovels. If this is a new bed with little or no plants we add landscaping fabric as a barrier against weeds. This landscape fabric should be removed in the Fall.
Mulch is applied about 3 inches thick and leaving bare 4 to 6 inches around trees and shrubs.
Hedge Trimming:
Hedges may be trimmed removing new growth to either maintain a current form or to slightly alter the form. Some hedges are allowed to keep a natural appearance while others are forced into formal shapes.
Trimming is usually done three times a year mid Spring to promote new growth, early Fall to maintain new growth, and Late Fall to shape. Allowing hedges to become over grown can also be a problem as removal of large portions can be detrimental to the plants health as well as the aesthetics.
Some species should not be trimmed as they take many years to grow. Topiary is best started in an nursery. But should be maintained every year through proper Trimming. If you let it go for a while it can be difficult to recover the proper forms as new limbs and growth can change the intended shape.
We Service:
Gaithersburg, Germantown, Boyds, Clarksburg, Rockville, North Potomac, Potomac, Bethesda, Chevy Chase and surrounding neighborhoods.
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