What to Look for When Hiring a Mulch Installer
Applying mulch to your garden is extremely hard work. True, it is often used to prevent the need for having to do regular weeding, but it takes a lot of effort to actually spread the mulch effectively in the first place. Unless you only have a very small area that you want to use mulch on, you are going to want to find someone to install the mulch for you. There are a number of points that you need to consider when you are finding the gardener, or landscaping company, for the job. Here are just a few to consider.
First, you need to think about how much work you actually want doing. You may only want to hire someone to spread mulch in a few specific sections, or over a far larger area. If you know exactly where you want the mulch spreading, then you may only need to hire a laborer who you can instruct easily and just allow them to get on with the job in hand. This is perfect if you do not have a lot of fragile plants that need to be avoided, or need the mulch spread with particular care around them. If this is the case, then you could even consider hiring neighborhood kids who want to make a few bucks, and are not afraid of hard work. If you are around to keep an eye on them while they work, then this is the perfect solution. There are also plenty of laborers for hire who are hard workers that could do the job for you. For this type of one-off, basic mulch spreading you do not need to hire a professional gardener.
For large areas that need mulching, you may be thinking about hiring a mulch blowing service. These literally spray the mulch over the area using special equipment, rather than old-fashioned manual methods. The advantage of this, obviously, is that a large area can be covered in a much shorter space of time. However, the downside is that any fragile plants or new shoots may also be covered. The services tend not to employ gardening experts, but merely people who can operate the machinery.
Professional gardeners or landscape companies are only really required if you have a very complex garden, and need someone with a good knowledge of mulching to help advise you. This includes the type of mulch to use, and the amount required. However, they are often extremely expensive, and may not consider doing one-off installations. They may want to be involved in every aspect of your gardening, not just mulching. This will, of course, work to your advantage as they can discuss the best types of mulch, and also help you to obtain it. Once the mulch has been laid, they will also return at regular intervals to help maintain it. This involves turning wood chips, to prevent any pests from using it as a new home, and also replacing mulch where necessary.
Another point that you need to consider is what type of mulch you are going to use, and where you are getting it from. Some companies will offer to provide the mulch for you, as well as actually laying it down. This is perfect if you are unable to collect the mulch from a local supplier, or have a lack of space to store it. The main issue that needs to be addressed here is where the mulch is being sourced from. You want to make sure that it is the most suitable for your needs, but also want to be aware that it has originated from sustainable forests, for example. Many states have guidelines for suppliers to follow. You can check these out on the Internet. Any reputable mulch supplier will be able to discuss this with you, and will be aware of where the products they use have been sourced originally.
As with any other service, you should obtain references from any professional gardener or landscaper before you hire them for your mulching needs. Mulch It Now has been in business since 1984 and can eiter help you with your annual mulching installation or find a suitable mulch installer within whatever distance you want to search for one. However, this is not as easy when you are using basic laborers, but you may be able to get recommendations from your neighbors. If you only have a relatively small area that needs a one-off spread of mulch, it is worth checking with other people in your neighborhood who want similar work done and seeing if you can club together to hire a laborer for a day. This is ideal if your gardens are only going to take a couple of hours each as laborers prefer to charge a daily rate.