When the weather warms up, area garden and landscape centers begin answering a barrage of phone calls from area residents wanting to purchase mulch.
Applying mulch is considered one the easiest ways to spruce up the area around the home. With numerous varieties of bagged or loose product, it’s easy to make choices to enhance the landscape.
“After all the snow and the wetness this winter, people are ready to get outside and play in the dirt,” said Steve Matish, manager of Jamestown Feed &Seed on Richmond Road in Norge. He began fielding calls last week. “It depends on the weather, but when it starts to warm up, we sell lots of mulch.”
Jamestown Feed and Seed offers five varieties including three dyed mulches, cherry red, walnut and black, and natural brown and reddish brown.
“The natural brown is probably the most popular,” Matish said. “It is a little more economical and it has a nice color to it.”
Those wanting mulch can either request delivery or have the product scooped directly into a vehicle. The store website www.jamestownfeed.com offers homeowners a link that helps them calculate just how much mulch they may need. Mulch is sold by the cubic yard.
Allan Hull, nursery manager of Peninsula Hardwood Mulch, said mulch season is just beginning.
“Every day that it doesn’t rain, it’s busy,” Hull said in a recent interview. “As springs comes on, it will get busier. People have been cooped up in the home for the past couple months, and putting down mulch is one of the things that they like to do to spruce up the yard. It keeps weeds down, and it is attractive.”
Peninsula Hardwood Mulch offers approximately 18 kinds of mulch in various textures and colors.
“Different mulches last for different times,” Hull said. “Mulch serves different functions based on their textures. Finely shredded stays longer than chunky varieties on a slope or where there might be washing problems.”
The company produces much of the mulch used at their Toano location. There are also offices in Yorktown and Poquoson. Prices vary depending on the variety.
Waltrip Recycling on Marclay Road, offers a mulch FAQ section on their website, www.waltriprecycling.com. They suggest applying at least three inches deep for the best look and weed control.
The official start of spring was Friday, and the weekend forecast is for temperatures in the 50s with sun.
“When the weather is good people get out and get busy,” Hull said. “It is good to get out of the house and get fresh air and exercise and make your yard look good at the same time.”
