bark mulch thickness alberta landscape plus

Using Bark Mulch in Alberta

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In Alberta, the recommended thickness for applying bark mulch in a flower bed is typically between 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm). This thickness provides sufficient coverage to reap the benefits of mulching while allowing for proper air and water circulation in the soil.

Here are a few considerations regarding mulch thickness

Weed suppression

To effectively suppress weed growth, it is essential to apply a thick enough layer of mulch. A 2 to 4-inch thickness helps smother weed seeds and prevents them from receiving enough sunlight to germinate.

Moisture retention

A mulch layer of 2 to 4 inches is generally effective in retaining moisture in the soil. It helps reduce water evaporation and maintains a more consistent level of soil moisture, which is particularly valuable in Alberta’s climate.

Organic matter decomposition

Over time, the bark mulch will decompose and contribute organic matter to the soil. A thicker layer of mulch allows for a gradual breakdown, enriching the soil with nutrients and improving its structure.

Aesthetics and plant health

Applying a proper thickness of mulch enhances the visual appeal of the flower bed while providing insulation and protection to the plant roots. It helps regulate soil temperature, prevents erosion, and supports healthy plant growth.

It’s important to note that excessive mulch thickness can create problems such as reduced air circulation, moisture retention leading to over-saturated soil, and potential root suffocation. Therefore, it’s recommended to maintain the mulch layer within the suggested range of 2 to 4 inches for optimal results.

Kerry’s Tip: At the trunk,  start with a thin layer of mulch to allow sufficient airflow.  Moving away from the trunk, the mulch can get thicker increasing to 3-4 inches in the spaces between the plants.

Want more tips and tricks for yard and property maintenance? Follow us on Facebook!

gardening prize package 2021

10 Days of Isolation – 2021 Gardening Prize Package

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Landscape Plus “10 Days of Isolation” Facebook & Insta Contest

Enter to win a 2021 Gardening Prize Package*, Valued over $300!

The prize package is fully transferable and the winner will be announced the week of April 26th, so it could make a great Mother’s Day gift!

In order to win you must:

  1. Be a resident of Alberta age 18 or older
  2. Like/follow our Facebook page or Instagram page
  3. Tag a friend who is interested in gardening   
  4. Watch our Facebook page to Like, Share & Comment on the daily prize announcements to increase your odds of winning

Contest details:

Starting Apr 16, 2021, Landscape Plus will post one prize daily for ten days. Each day, you can like, share and comment on the prize post, each action is an entry to the contest. We use third-party software to randomly select one person daily from all actions on the post, this person’s name will be entered into the final draw (assuming all other criteria are met, #1, 2 & 3 above).

Contest closes on the 10th day (April 25th, 2021) at midnight. The week of April 26th, one name will be selected to win ALL TEN prizes. The prize is transferable, the winner will be contacted and asked if they wish to receive the prize or gift it. This information will be announced and shared on our social media pages.

*The 2021 Gardening Prize Package includes a cumulation 9 items + delivery & instructions for use of your gardening prize package. In a series of 10 social posts, we will reveal the complete prize package. PLEASE NOTE: Not all items will be exactly as pictured. Upon randomly selecting the winner from contest entries, we will contact the winner to arrange free delivery IF you are within Strathmore, otherwise, you will need to arrange for pickup/delivery of your package and instructions will be given over the phone.

The contest is closed to Landscape Plus employees, subcontractors and affiliates. Any activity by Landscape Plus and/or its affiliates on the campaign posts will not be included in the draw. Click here to contact us with any questions or concerns.

 

garden heat wave landscape plus tips

Taking care of your garden during the heat

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flowers in albertaHow to care for your garden during a heat wave

Your garden may not be enjoying this heat as much as you are so we are providing a few tips to help keep it healthy.

For the hot and dry month of August, here are some suggestions to keep your plants and grass in good condition.

The running times from irrigation controllers should be increased so things don’t dry out. It is also better to run for longer times less frequently than run the zones every day for shorter times. A deep watering encourages deep roots which in turn make for a stronger plant that can resist droughts and diseases easier.

Bark mulch can also help to keep the plants moist during the hot summer sunny days. Three inches minimum depth is recommended.
New sod needs to be watered immediately after laying. It should be watered until the ground under the sod is wet. Keep the ground under the sod moist and you will see new roots in 5 days!
New plants need to be hand-watered regularly until the root system has established itself. The first week daily watering, the second week every second day, the third week every third day during the hot days or months.

Move potted plants to a shaded area or for larger pots cover with a lightweight piece of fabric.

Finally, early morning or when the evening starts to get cooler is the best time to water or to do any weeding and light clean-up.

Busy Days at Landscape Plus!

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Despite these unusual times we want to let everyone know that we are open and ready to go with our Spring Services. If we are not in the office when you call to make an appointment, please leave a message then Kerry or Debbie will get back to you as soon as they can.

We also want to assure everyone that we take the health & safety of our staff, customers & the public seriously. Landscape companies have been deemed an essential service and we will provide our services to you in the safest way that we can.

When we come to your place of business or residence there will be only one person per truck (unless they are from the same household). Each truck is equipped with hand sanitizer and disposable gloves. Trucks will be sanitized regularly. Onsite physical distancing will be observed and for bigger projects, the number of employees will not exceed fifteen. And of course, our staff is monitoring their health daily.

Happily, greenhouses were also allowed to open so you can get out of the house and be outside in your gardens! From this difficult time has come a renewed desire to plant vegetables and herbs. Once called Victory Gardens people want to plant ‘living pantries’ in order to feel that they have what is needed to provide healthy foods for their families.

To help here is a list of Easy Vegetables to Grow in Calgary and area and Five Herbs That Can Survive Alberta Winters

Continue reading “Busy Days at Landscape Plus!” →