Weeds move in
Freshly installed mulch looks great and, when applied at the correct depth (2″ minimum) it deprives weed seeds of sunlight. My sometime client Pierre got rid of his European Chafer beetle damaged lawn and covered the area with mulch. Then, in the following season he installed new plants.
Now, a few seasons later, weeds started showing. That’s how it is; there is no stopping wind and birds from importing weed seeds. Also, as your mulch degrades, gaps start to show and weed seeds take advantage of the extra light.
Thin layers of mulch help weeds thrive by keeping moisture in and at the same time allowing sunlight in. Which is why you can’t go cheap with mulch. If you do it, go for at least 2″ depth.
Vas scores some lunch money
Pierre would call me periodically to come weed his front bed; usually when his wife started urging him to take care of it. Strongly, the way spouses do. And I happily scored some lunch money. Of course, my cultivator turned over the remaining mulch, further creating gaps that would allow sunlight in.
Now, Pierre isn’t slow, he can take care of his landscape. I offered my weeding services to him again this spring but never heard from him.
When I drove through his neighborhood, it became obvious why he never called. His front bed was nicely covered in a thick layer of coarse bark mulch. That’s how you do it. Top up your mulch once in a while and don’t go cheap. Applying a thick layer is always better but never perfect because wind and birds import weed seeds in. Plus, there is no guarantee your neighbors will keep their gardens weed-free.
Lunch money
Since we’re talking about lunch money, losing this kind of work doesn’t mean my kids will go hungry. I have plenty of good, repeat, side-work. But I’m not picky, I will weed your garden for a hefty fee. My kids need apps after-all.
Let’s review: install a nice thick layer of mulch, and top it up once in a while. It’s cheaper than calling in Red Seal Vas to weed your place.
