LandscapeManagement Practices

LandscapeManagement Practices

Mulching

Mulch(A tree’s best friend)Mulch(A tree’s best friend)

Insulates soilRetains moistureKeeps weeds outPrevents soil compactionReduces lawn mower / weed eater

damageAdds an aesthetic touch

Types of MulchTypes of Mulch

BarkPine StrawGrass ClippingsLeavesRockSynthetic Materials

Ground Cloth under Mulch ???Ground Cloth under Mulch ???

MulchMulchMax depth of 2-4”

Do not touch the trunk

Mulch too deep can lead to

trunk & crown rot poor root ball aeration

Calculating Mulching NeedsCalculating Mulching Needs Use the formula for Volume: Side X Side X

Height(Length X Width X Depth)Remember to get all your measurements the same ( inches or feet)Answers will be cubed!!

Examples: Flower bed is 10 feet by 4 feet. Existing Bed so lay mulch 2 inches thick. Answer: 10ft X 4ft X .167ft = 6.68 cubic feet

More PracticeMore Practice

1. New Bed: 15 feet by 10 feet

2. New Bed: 8 feet by 5 feet

3. Existing Bed: 3 feet by 4 feet

4. Existing Bed: 6’6” by 2’

5. Circular Existing bed: Diameter of the circle is 14 (HINT: Use the volume of a cylinder formula)

Practice AnswersPractice Answers

1. 15’ X 10’ X .33’ (4 inches)= 49.5 cubic feet

2. 8’ x 5’ x .33’ (4 inches) = 13.2 cubic feet

3. 3’ by 4’ x .167’ (2 inches) = 2.004 cubic feet

4. 6’6” x 2’ x .167 (2 inches) = 2.171 cubic feet

5. 3.1416 x 72 x .167 (2 inches) = 25.708 cubic feet

One more thing…One more thing…

Most mulch for landscaping is sold in bulk. Bulk loads are generally measured by the yard.

To convert cubic feet to cubic yards, divide your answer by 27.

Why?3 feet = 1 yard3 ft by 3 ft by 3ft = 27 cubic feet or 1 cubic yard

Convert your practice answers to yards.Convert your practice answers to yards.

1. 49.5 cubic feet / 27 = 1.8 cubic yards

2. 13.2 cubic feet / 27 = .48 cubic yards

3. 2.004 cubic feet / 27 = .075 cubic yards

4. 2.171 cubic feet / 27 = .08 cubic yards

5. 25.708 cubic feet / 27 = .95 cubic yards