Section 1: Why Mulching Matters
Section 2: When to Mulch
Section 3: Coverage Formulas for Bulk Products
Section 4: Guidelines for Mulching around Arborscapes
Section 5: Guidelines for Mulching and Maintaining Landscape Beds
Section 6: Why Our Mulch is the Best
Section 7: About Our Mulch Colorants
Section 1: Why Mulching Matters
Mulching is a critical horticultural technique necessary for the maintenance and improvement of plant health in gardens, landscape beds, and arboreal ecosystems in Indiana. At Forest Commodities, we facilitate this process with our diverse range of high-quality mulch products. Mulch functions as a primary material for labor reduction in these applications. Whether managing a large vegetable garden or a small flowerbed, possessing a thorough understanding of the various types of mulch and their suitable applications can substantially enhance both the aesthetic quality and productivity of the horticultural space. Additionally, mulching is an evidence-based horticultural practice that provides measurable benefits. When applied properly, mulch contributes positively to soil composition and plant vitality.
- Mulch improves landscape aesthetics by introducing a consistent color and texture, thereby enhancing the overall visual cohesion of the environment.
- Mulch mitigates soil splash, thereby reducing erosion and preventing the transfer of soil-borne pathogens to plant foliage. This also maintains the cleanliness of fruits and vegetables.
- Mulch inhibits crust formation on the soil surface, which in turn enhances water infiltration and movement into the soil profile.
- Mulch reduces soil compaction.
- Mulch minimizes water loss due to evaporation during Indiana’s hot summers, potentially reducing irrigation requirements by up to 50%.
- Mulch suppresses the germination of numerous weed species here in Indiana, thereby decreasing the necessity for mechanical cultivation or chemical herbicides.
- Mulch assists in regulating soil temperature by functioning as an insulating layer, maintaining cooler soil temperatures in the summer and warmer temperatures in the winter.
- Mulch contributes to improved soil structure in garden and landscape beds, as its decomposition releases essential nutrients into the soil.
- Plants with mulch exhibit an increased root density compared to un-mulched plants, as root proliferation is stimulated in the mulched environment.
- Mulch helps maintain cleanliness for pets, children, and adults during wet conditions by providing a barrier against muddy surfaces.
Section 2: When to Mulch
One frequently asked question here at Forest Commodities pertains to the optimal timing for mulch application. The timing is contingent on the objectives of mulching. Individuals should consider two primary inquiries: Are aesthetics the primary goal, or is the focus on plant and soil health? For aesthetics, mulching can be performed at any time of the year, typically dictated by the availability of time. Conversely, if the primary concern is the overall health of the landscape, it’s essential to consider the benefits associated with mulching.
Mulch serves as an insulator, providing separation between the soil and ambient air. As we all know we can experience all four seasons in a single day here in Indiana. In vegetable or flower gardens, it is advisable to apply mulch after the soil temperature has risen in the spring. Cold, saturated soils can impede seed germination and exacerbate the decay of seeds and seedlings. When adding supplemental layers of mulch to established perennial beds, application should occur only after the soil has fully warmed.
For mulching intended to moderate Indiana’s extreme winter temperatures, it is best applied in late fall, after the ground has frozen but before the advent of severe cold. Early application may attract rodents seeking overwintering sites. A delayed application of mulch is recommended to mitigate this issue, as rodents would likely have settled elsewhere by that time
One significant advantage of winter mulch application is the reduction of soil freeze-thaw cycles during Indiana’s late winter and early spring. These repeated cycles can cause shallow-rooted plants to become dislodged from the soil, exposing their root systems and potentially resulting in injury or mortality. Mulching helps to stabilize soil temperature, thereby minimizing rapid fluctuations.
Section 3: Coverage Formulas for Bulk Products
1 acre = 43,560 ft² ft² = square feet
1 yd³ = 3’x3’3’ ft³ = cubic feet
27 ft³ = 1 yd³ yd³ = cubic yard
All Formulas are Meant to be Figured in Feet
Squares / Rectangles:
Area = Length x Width
Circles:
Area = Pi (3.14) x Radius x Radius
(Radius: a straight line from the center to the circumference of a circle)
Triangles:
Area = ½ Base x Height
Area (ft²) Divided By:
÷150 for approx. 2 inches deep
÷100 for approx. 3 inches deep
÷75 for approx. 4 inches deep
÷54 for approx. 6 inches deep
÷27 for approx. 12 inches deep
= Yd³ of Material Needed
Level a Sloped Area:
Length x Width x Depth
÷ 2 = ft³ ÷ 27 = yd³ of Material Needed
Volume of a Round Hole:
Pi (3.14) x Radius x Radius x Depth
= ft³ ÷ 27 = yd³ of Material Needed
(Radius: a straight line from the center to the circumference of a circle)
Volume of a Square / Rectangular Hole:
Length x Width x Depth = ft³ ÷ 27 = yd³ of Material Needed
Section 4: Guidelines for Mulching around Arborscapes
In addition to enhancing the aesthetic value of your arborscape, mulch provides numerous benefits to trees, including moisture conservation, improvement of soil structure, reduction of soil compaction, enhancement of soil aeration, increase in available nutrients, suppression of weed and grass growth, and protection against damage from power equipment.
- Application Timing for Tree Mulching: It is advisable to apply mulch to trees annually during the spring months, prior to significant decreases in soil moisture and increases in temperature. Mulching should also be carried out following any tree injuries, as well as before, during, and after any construction or infrastructure modifications that could impact tree roots and overall tree health.
- Mulching Materials: Organic materials are recommended over inorganic alternatives (such as stone and rubber mulch). Organic mulches decompose over time, enriching the soil with nutrients. Conversely, inorganic materials do not decompose and therefore require replacement less frequently.
- Mulching Technique: Mulch should be applied in a circular distribution around the base of the tree, with a recommended depth of 2 to 4 inches. It is crucial to maintain a distance of at least 6 inches from the tree trunk to prevent moisture accumulation at the base. It is imperative to avoid applying an excessive layer of mulch (greater than 6 inches), as this can create conditions conducive to insect infestations and disease, particularly in young trees.
Section 5: Guidelines for Mulching and Maintaining Landscape Beds
Mulch serves as an enhanced finishing layer; however, preparatory steps must be undertaken prior to its application:
- Weed Eradication: Eliminate all weed and unwanted plant growth. It is advisable to apply a herbicide to the affected areas 1 to 2 weeks before mulching to ensure full eradication of the weeds. Manually removing the dead weeds is the most effective method.
- Pruning of Vegetation: Trimming trees and shrubs prior to mulching is recommended to minimize debris accumulation during the process.
- Bed Preparation: Remove all organic debris, such as dead leaves, weeds, and cuttings, from the planting beds using a rake. An adjustable rake is optimal for this task.
- Soil Cultivation: After clearing the beds, cultivate any compaction in the soil or existing mulch. This can be accomplished using a hard rake or a hand cultivator, facilitating improved moisture and oxygen permeability in the soil.
- Bed Edging: Establishing a defined edge enhances the aesthetic appeal of the landscape and provides a professional appearance. Employ an edging shovel or power edger to create clean edges. A garden hose can be utilized as a guide for smooth, flowing curves.
- Surface Leveling: Utilize a rigid rake, such as a mud rake, to level the surfaces designated for mulching. Proper leveling prevents an uneven or lumpy appearance in the mulch beds.
- Mulch Application: Distribute new mulch over the pre-cultivated soil or existing mulch using your hands or a rake. A thickness of 2 to 3 inches is recommended. When mulching around trees and woody-stemmed plants, ensure that the mulch is kept away from the base. Following mulching, apply water to moisten and assist in settling the mulch in place.
- Mulch Maintenance: Regularly, approximately once a month, assess the compaction of the mulch. If compacted, utilize a garden claw, rake, or cultivator to aerate the mulch layer. This
will facilitate the passage of water and oxygen, mitigating fungal growth and maintaining aesthetic quality.
- Fungal Management: In the presence of fungal growth, remove the affected mulch and the surrounding area. Rake additional mulch over the site and thoroughly water it. The occurrence of fungus is indicative of mulch compaction and dehydration of the planting beds, necessitating both cultivation and irrigation.
*Cedar mulch produced by Forest Commodities does not promote fungal growth. The water-soluble compound thujaplicin present in cedar mulch exhibits properties that inhibit both fungal and bacterial proliferation.
Section 6: Why Our Mulch is the Best
How Forest Commodities Manufacturers Not Only the Best Mulch in Indiana but Globally!
Bark Mulches
- At Forest Commodities, we procure our bark byproduct directly from our extensive partnerships with sawmills across Indiana. We exclusively utilize the bark, ensuring that it does not deplete nitrogen levels in the surrounding soil once the product is used. Our bark mulch is finely ground at our 100-acre facility in Martinsville, Indiana, where we employ advanced grinding and screening techniques in our mills that exceed industry standards and specifications. This facilitates optimal distribution and decomposition, while also promoting enhanced water retention and aeration within the soil matrix. The aging process, akin to that of fine wine, is critical to the production of high-quality bark mulch. We subject all our bark mulches to an aging period of no less than 9 months to 1 year. Throughout this period, we carefully monitor the aging process to achieve optimal coloration while preventing excessive degradation. With Forest Commodities, our customers receive mulch products in optimal condition.
Classic Color Mulch
- At Forest Commodities, we source our virgin wood chips through established partnerships with sawmills throughout Indiana. Our classic colored mulch is meticulously processed at our 100-acre facility in Martinsville, Indiana, utilizing advanced grinding and screening techniques that adhere to and surpass industry standards and specifications. Upon reaching the optimal consistency to facilitate enhanced water retention and air circulation within the soil matrix, we administer Colorbiotics’ environmentally friendly, non-toxic, laboratory-synthesized colorant, which efficiently encapsulates each individual particle of virgin wood. This treatment results in a vivid coloration that is UV-stabilized and offers extended longevity compared to competing products. With Forest Commodities, our clients are provided with mulch products that adhere to optimal quality standards.
TenderTurf®
- At Forest Commodities, we exclusively procure high-grade uniform virgin wood chips through our extensive alliances with sawmills throughout Indiana. Upon delivery to our 100-acre facility in Martinsville, Indiana, the product undergoes inspection by inventory control personnel and is stored separately from other materials to maintain its contamination-free status. Forest Commodities employs advanced grinding and screening techniques that exceed industry standards to produce an engineered playground surfacing, recognized as the premier product in playground surfacing nationwide. Our TenderTurf® undergoes rigorous third-party testing and is certified under ASTM 2075, ASTM 1292, ASTM 3351, and is compliant with ADA standards, ensuring optimal performance and the highest safety standards for engineered wood fiber surfacing available in the marketplace. With TenderTurf®, child safety is ensured in playground environments.
Section 7: About Our Mulch Colorants
At Forest Commodities, we emphasize the importance of using the safest colorant available in conjunction with our premium mulch production. Consequently, we utilize the Colorbiotics® line of colorants, which is distinguished by its ISO 9001-certified production process, the only one of its kind in the industry. Colorbiotics® conducts EPA Method 8260B testing to screen for 46 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may pose risks to human health, as well as flora and fauna. Notably, none of these 46 VOCs were detected in their colorant formulations. Additionally, Colorbiotics® has undertaken safety evaluations akin to those performed in the cosmetics industry and submitted its entire colorant line for independent analysis at various laboratories nationwide. The findings consistently indicate that the colorants are non-toxic, non-reactive, non-flammable, and environmentally benign. It is a verifiable fact that Colorbiotics® colorants exhibit a safety profile superior to that of common table salt. Beyond safety considerations, the performance metrics of these colorants are unparalleled. They exhibit UV stabilization, and the manufacturing process employs dispersants tailored to specific pigments, optimizing the efficacy of each variant. The resulting pigment particles are sufficiently small to effectively coat the intricate surfaces of wood fibers, ensuring uniform coverage. Forest Commodities guarantees the highest safety standards for colored mulch available globally.
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