MULCH & PINE STRAW

Dickens Turf & Landscape Supply carries a large variety of mulches for commercial and residentials use. We sell it by the bag and in bulk. Pick up and delivery at select locations. Call us to find out more about our mulch availability.

What is mulch? It's a layer of material used as a covering over exposed soil. There are many materials you can use for this purpose, but the only types you should ever consider using in your garden are those from natural and biodegradable materials. Wood chips, pine bark, leaves, straw, grass clippings – these are all examples of beneficial mulch because they decompose and provide many more benefits to your soil. Natural materials which don’t bio-degrade or which take decades to break down – like stone or shells – don’t fall into the category of what I consider a beneficial mulch.

Why use Mulch for Your Landscaping/Garden

Retains Moisture – Mulch acts as an insulating barrier against evaporation from heat and wind. Mulch holds moisture in the soil, allowing you to cut down dramatically on the frequency and duration of watering. This encourages established plants to be more drought tolerant, but it can also make all the difference for the success of new shrubs and trees.

Moderates Soil Temperature – Many of a plant’s feeder roots grow in the first few inches underneath the soil surface. A mulch layer acts as a buffer against temperature shift. Also, heat from the sun can bake exposed soil and create a crust which inhibits water from penetrating the surface. When temperatures drop, a blanket of snow can provide protection; but without snow or a mulch layer, an overnight frost or sustained freezing temperatures can kill or damage feeder roots.

Suppresses Weed Germination and Growth – Proper use of mulch will significantly reduce weeds. With a layer of mulch covering your garden soil, the weed seeds lurking there won’t receive the light they need to germinate, and mulch can block the seeds which blow in on the wind from reaching soil and taking root.

Why use Pine Straw Mulch

Pine straw mulch is primarily good for suppressing weeds, retaining moisture in the soil, and providing a natural, acidic environment for plants that thrive in slightly acidic conditions, like azaleas, camellias, and blueberries; it can also help to repel some pests and insects due to its natural properties. 

A layer of Pine Straw helps keeps the roots of tender plants from freezing. Pine Straw interlocks and holds together during hard rains and heavy winds, even on sloping landscapes. Because Pine Straw interlocks, pine straw will not wash out of beds like other mulches.