Refreshing a garden with new mulch is much like making it wear a fresh coat of paint. Pine straw is one of the most popular mulching materials for many reasons. The most important reason is that it is light and easy to lay compared to other types. But should you remove the old pine straw layer before adding a new one?
Methods for Applying New Pine Straw
When applying the new pine straw, it is recommended to remove the old. This will enable your garden to benefit fully from the new interaction of the fresh mulch and avoid the risks of compaction, pest infestation, and diseases.
When applying new pine straw, uniformly spread it in a 3-inch depth run. This is the optimal depth for weed control and moisture retention without smothering the plants. Spread evenly, making sure to cover the soil completely without piling up against plant stems.
Advantages of Regular Replacement of Pine Straw
Keeping your pine straw fresh will ensure that your garden is always neat and clean. The right new mulch will remain effective at both protection and appearance. It will also retain its thickness, which is very critical to weed suppression and moisture retention.
Why Remove Old Pine Straw Before Adding New
Leaving old pine straw in place can create many problems. During decomposition, pine straw may compact itself and become impermeable to both water and air, preventing the soil from receiving these vital components. Old pine straw also creates very good living conditions for pests and diseases. Moreover, a thick layer of decomposed pine straw can choke off the roots of the plants and negate the effectiveness of the mulch. This is why you need to remove old pine straw before putting in new ones.
Final Words
It is important to remove old pine straw before putting down a new layer. This helps eradicate pest buildup and also loosen the soil, among other benefits. Refresh your pine straw mulch regularly for the best results by applying proper methods of removal and application.
For quality mulch in Johns Creek, Mulch Pros is the company for any of your mulching needs. We take pride in delivering top-selection mulching material, plus expert insight and instruction, to keep your garden healthy and beautiful. Contact us today and get the best out of your garden.
