Marianne's Response

LucilleB’s Question

I spoke to you about my beach problem at Tibbets. I priced gravel..525.00 plus hiring labor to move 12 tons
onto the beach…Do you think it would be advisable to use free mulch from tree companies? Would landscape cloth be better under the mulch? This will be applied to
a beach that I personally removed two trucks of dandelions – hand dug with a pitchfork. We use this area to walk to the shore and sit on chairs under the
trees to picnic. Is there a specific type of mulch I should ask for? Thanks so much, really enjoyed your
presentation on dry shade…created a new garden under my fir tree…smile Lucille

Posted by Lucille Barnard on May 24, 2013

Marianne's Response

I love the idea of free mulch from tree companies - this is called arborist chips and the bits of leaves mixed in with the bark helps to loosen the soil. I do not like the idea of landscape cloth under the mulch as it often tears away and pokes up over time and the weeds will blow in from above not from below. Plus even if you left some dandelions they could poke through the cloth. You may also want to look for cedar shavings if you are sure you will not plant anything in the area. Cedar is oily and repels water so less weeds will grow over time. Sounds like you are making a wonderful new space. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti

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