Leaf Mulch

WHAT IS MULCH:  Mulch is a material used to cover the soil.  Types of mulch include pine needles, dried leaves, sawdust, wood chips, plastic, chopped leaves, newspaper, straw.  Certain mulches consume soil nitrogen in the decomposition process and should not be used in a garden so select mulch carefully.  Wood chips consume lots of nitrogen so wood chips not be used in the garden, but only on paths.    

WHY MULCH?

• To create low maintenance gardens.

• To suppress weeds.

• To moderate soil dampness and keep soil from drying out.

• To prevent soil erosion.

• To increase the earthworm population

• To keep the garden appearance neat and tidy.

WHEN TO MULCH:  Every year when the soil has warmed up.  Mulch will inhibit the soils ability to warm so don’t mulch too early.

HOW MUCH MULCH:  

• Up to two inches if layered on top of compost.

• Up to three inches if not layered on top of compost.

• More mulch can be added during the growing season as needed.

 HOW TO MUCLH:

• Remove weeds.

• Loosen and turnover soil.

• Water well.

• Lay mulch around plants without allowing the mulch to touch plant stems or leaves.

SOURCES OF LEAF MULCH:  

Mulch is commercially available from almost any garden center.  However, surrounding jurisdictions offer leaf mulch for free. Their web sites indicate that the mulch is available only to residents, but I’ve driven to several different locations and helped myself.    No one seemed to care that I wasn’t their resident. Bring your own shovel and bags/containers to hold the mulch. Mulch is a natural, unprocessed material that has been stored outside. As a result, it may contain bugs  or other foreign matter. Wear proper clothing and protection when handling the mulch.Hours are subject to change so you might want to call before you attempt the trip.

Here is a list of mulch sources:

District of Columbia Public Works

900 New Jersey Avenue, S.E. (NJ and K) 

Washington, DC

Mondays through Saturdays from 7 to 3. BUT a recent phone call indicated it's available NOW (January 2008) and the hours are 6:30 to 5.  So you might want to CALL FIRST (202/447-4257).

Arlington Environmental Services

North 26th St. and Yorktown Blvd

Arlington, Virginia

7 days a week, 24 hours a day

Public Works

College Park, Maryland

301-474-4194

4300 29th St South, at the Trades Center

Arlington, Virginia

Monday – Friday, 5:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m.

Saturday, 7:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Sunday/Holidays, CLOSED

Public Works Department, 

31 Oswego Avenue

Takoma Park, MD 

301.891.7633

You can selfload mulch at any time

Department of Transportation & Environmental Services

4215 Eisenhower Avenue

Alexandria, Virginia

Monday- Friday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday 8 a.m. to 3:30 pm