Landscape Edging and Mulching

All new for 2008 - Baled semi bulk mulch

The cost of bulk, the ease of bagged. Be sure to bring home some fresh mulch this weekend to add a fresh look to any area of your landscape. Wood mulch helps conserve water in the soil, and works to keep leaves and often times insects away. Cedar mulch is a great way to repel mosquitoes. For a simple do-it-yourself project guaranteed to add instant curb appeal, add some new Halla baled mulch to your yard today.

Need a big boulder, or just some small rock for an accent? Or maybe you really want a stone patio. At Halla Nursery and garden center in Chanhassen you can shop everything you need all in one place. We feature unique colors and sizes, for projects big or small. For rock, boulders, stone, flagstone, pavers, and more visit Halla today and save on your next landscaping project.

The installation of landscape edging and use of mulches adds the finishing touch to any landscape project as well as serving many beneficial purposes.

The installation of edging defines the lawn area from the rest of the landscape and provides a barrier to keep the lawn from encroaching into the landscape plantings and vice-versa. Mulches, combined with the use of weed barriers, will all but eliminate weeds in the planting bed and assist greatly in the retention of soil moisture. With the increasing emphasis on water conservation, the importance of mulches cannot be underestimated.

By following a few simple instructions the finished landscape will be greatly enhanced by the proper installation of landscape edging, weed barriers and mulches.

INSTALLING LANDSCAPE EDGING

Many types and grades of edging are available: vinyl, metal, stone or wood are some of the more commonly used types of materials that are suitable for edging. When deciding upon what type and quality of landscape edging to use, keep in mind that you will want it to last the life of the landscape.

Follow any instructions that may be provided, keeping in mind that the top of the edging should be at the same level as the existing sod and planting bed.

WEED BARRIERS

Weed barriers, generally used under mulches have proved to be an effective way of inhibiting the development of weeds in a landscape bed. There are two types of weed barriers used today.

Black plastic has been used for a number of years and although we do not recommend it's use, it can be acceptable as a weed barrier. The use of black over clear plastic is preferred since it completely discourages growth of weeds under thinly mulched areas.

Recently there have been a number of woven fabric types of weed barriers introduced. While they are more expensive initially, they create a better soil environment in which plants can grow. They have the ability to inhibit weed growth while permitting the exchange of water and oxygen through the woven material. These materials should greatly improve the long-term success and survival of the plants. The installation of either material is best accomplished by laying the weed barrier over the plant material and cutting a hole in the material the same size as the plant. Once cut, it can be lowered to the ground. Make sure that the barrier is not tight against the base of the plant. After the barrier is in place, install the rock or organic mulch.

MULCHES

Mulches provide a number of useful and beneficial functions. Mulches suppress weeds, conserve soil moisture, modify soil temperature (cooler in summer, warmer in winter) and reduce soil erosion. Stone or rock mulches are applied at 2 to 3 inch depths while the organic mulches are applied at 3 to 4 inch depths. The following are some of the more commonly used mulches:
  • STONE OR ROCK
  • WOOD BARK OR CHIPS
  • SHREDDED BARK
  • PINE NEEDLES
  • COCOA BEAN HULLS (toxic to pets)
  • GRASS CLIPPINGS AND LEAVES