Mulch clean-up

[economiclawncare]

I have about 500 sq feet of flower beds i need to take the mulch out of them b/c it is brown and i have to replace it with red. What is the fastest way to do this. I am thinking to rake it onto a trap and then dump it in trailer. Could i put the red on top of the brown.

[dvmcmrhp52]

Put the red right on top of it.
Why take it out?

[jt5019]

I would put the red right on top of it.Just do it a little thick so the brown doesnt show through.

[Lawn Dog2001]

Originally posted by dvmcmrhp52
Put the red right on top of it.
Why take it out?

Exactly what I was thinking.

Did the customer specifically demand the old mulch be removed? If not I would go over top.

[economiclawncare]

does every one agree with going over top and at what point do you have to remove mulch and start over can you just keep putting mulch on top forever

[imograss]

The old mulch should break down over time. I would not remove it.

[Premo Services]

The only time I would remove the old mulch is if it was way too thick and messing up the plants, but it would cost. I did have a new customer last year that wanted some of it removed, because it was piled up high on the plants, I took a rake and moved it away from the plants and they did just fine. It should have broke down, but it was too thick.

[bayoulawn]

the thicker the mulch the fewer the weeds and evaporation of moisture.

[D Felix]

Yes, but the thicker the mulch, the more it promotes rot around the base of the plants.

Not to mention the thicker the mulch, the closer it probably creeps to the siding, which opens up a whole 'nother can of worms for the homeowner....


Dan

[ksland]

If its a depth issue because of plantings or foundation lines then remove it, if not go right over. I have mulched some properties 6 years in a row and never had a buildup, it breaks down.

The real question is who would pay for a whole other mulch installation just because of color? I think its a little anal but hey, I will do anything for the right price.