If you've followed our blog for a while you probably know we're big fans of mulch. And if you don't have mulch in your yard, now is the perfect time to get some down before the cold of winter really sets in. There are many reasons for why mulch is great, including the fact that it helps protect your plant beddings, any newly planted bulbs, shallow root plants, and young trees.

Mulch comes in a variety of colors and textures so you're likely to find one that meets your preferences. You can get deep browns, warm reds, and soft golden tones in both coarse and fine blends. If you're not sure which one is right for your yard, let our experts help.

Here are five reasons why you should add mulch to your yard:

1. Mulch helps to control weeds
   Mulch can limit the amount of weeds that spring up in the open spaces of your garden. It acts as a barrier, limiting the amount of sunlight that can find its way to the weeds.
   
   
2. Mulch helps prevent soil erosion
   Mulching not only keeps existing water trapped in the soil, it also keeps rain water from washing away your soil. In our rainy neck of the woods, this is really important. Mulch does this by breaking the fall of the water and therefore lessening the force when the water impacts the ground.
   
   
3. Mulch helps provide insulation
   Mulch also acts as a thermal blanket over your planted areas, providing an extra layer of protection from extremely cold temperatures.
   
   
4. Mulch helps maintain soil nutrients
   Not only does mulch keep soil nutrients from being washed away with the rain, it also can release nutrients into the soil if you are using an organic material. This happens as the organic material slowly decomposes on top of the soil.
   
   
5. Mulch helps control pests
   Using certain types of mulch, such as cedar bark, can deter some pests due to the fact that the cedar bark has natural oils that act as insect repellant. To reap the full benefits, be sure to find a mulch that is very fragrant, as it will have the greatest effect on insects.

As a general rule of thumb, it is best to lay down mulch somewhere between 2-4" deep, and you'll want to avoid touching trunks of trees or stems of plants so you don't get any rot or disease issues.

Now is the perfect time to have our team help get your yard winter ready. Give us a call today at 541-729-8029.

Weeds. They are the bain of every beautiful lawn and flowerbed. You know what we're talking about. You spend a great deal of time to plan, plant, and cultivate a beautiful yard and then BAM! You spot weeds. Never just one, but little clusters here and there. They're everywhere! So, what are you going to do?

Tips for dealing with weeds in your yard:

1. Don't pull them up! At least not when it's been dry. When you pull up weeds, you risk sprinkling all of their seeds back into your lawn or planted area, creating a breeding ground for the next round of weeds. If you really can't resist the urge to pull weeds, the best time to do so is when everything is wet. For one, the soil will be softer, and you can get the root out with the weed. And second, you limit the likelihood that the weed will release its seeds.
2. Mulch! This is best for your planted areas as mulch is a natural weed barrier. And, as a bonus, a fresh layer of mulch gives your yard added visual appeal.
3. Remove their tops. With annual weeds, deadheading them can earn you some extra time before they release their seeds. Lopping off the tops also reduces any reseeding, and this action forces weeds to use up their food sources which results in limiting their spread.
4. Use selective watering. Weeds have the same requirements as other plants: a good place to grow and lots of water. So, if you selectively water the plants you want and not the weeds, they'll reduce in number and size. What's the best way to accomplish this? With drip irrigation. Drip irrigation helps control weeds, and it saves you money on your water bill.
5. Plan for the gaps in your planted areas. If you plant specimens close together (per guidelines for each plant), you reduce the space available for weeds to grow. In essence, you choke them out so they can't get light, food, or water.

While these tips can help manage the weed situation in your yard, know that despite your best efforts, the weeds will keep coming back. Weed control is just that — control, not eliminate. Keeping weeds at bay requires ongoing monitoring and treatment. If that level of commitment or use of time sounds unappealing, consider hiring a landscaper who offers maintenance services. Together, you can discuss the priorities for your yard, how and when you want services, and come to an agreement that works for your budget.

​If you live in the Eugene-Springfield area, Graham Landscape & Design can help control the weeds in your lawn, and so much more. Please give us a call for a no-obligation quote today. 541-729-8029.

At the thought of weeding, do you decide you’d rather alphabetize your bookshelf or finally work through and delete the emails mounting in your inbox? Well, what if there was a better way, a way to weed without taking up so much time? Did you know that the landscape design and irrigation system of your garden can help or hinder the growth of weeds? A few tips and some landscape maintenance can go a long way in the fight against pesky weeds.

Mulch
Mulch is a very helpful tool for reducing the weeds among your plants.  When soil is nourished and happy, weeds find somewhere else to grow. Replenish the mulch often so that it remains at about 2 inches deep and dense. More than three inches is too much.

Layer the soil first with newspaper, cardboard, or other biodegradable material, then spread the mulch over the top. This keeps the light away from weed seeds so they do not grow.

Plant Spacing
This is another factor that can help the spread of weeds.  It’s simple, but you may not have given it much thought. The more space between plants, the more surface area that is available for weed seeds to proliferate.

If you’re just starting out, you must be aware of the mature size of the plants. You will need to give them space to grow. In the beginning, you may have to do a bit more maintenance, but it will be worth it later on.

Only Weed When Necessary
That sounds good, right? There are weed seeds all over your garden, but the underlying seeds can remain dormant for long periods.  If you churn up too much soil, the seeds will then come to the surface.

Use a sharp tool to localize your digging and target exact areas of soil.

The other part of this tip is to wait until the weed is 3-4 inches tall before taking it out. It is easier to get the whole weed, roots and all, when it has developed a bit longer. With a young weed, part of the root may stay in the soil, which means you’ll have to return to the same weed again later.  Double work and effort? No thanks!

Irrigation
​Just as your flowers and plants thrive with water, so do weeds! What can you do to streamline your watering? Install an irrigation system.

You can also use a hose and place it around your plants underneath the mulch to keep the soil moist while depriving nearby weeds of nourishment.

For more tips and tricks on keeping weeds at bay, irrigation installation, or irrigation repair, contact us at Graham Landscape & Design, serving Eugene, Springfield, and communities throughout the Willamette Valley in Oregon.