Free mulch for residential use is available at the Solid Waste Complex, 1701 N. Hercules Ave., and Moccasin Lake Nature Park, 2750 Park Trail Ln. Please bring a shovel and containers. For hours, please call (727) 562-4920. For full information on free mulch in Pinellas County, call the hotline at (727) 464-7500. Mulch at collection centers is for residential use only. For pick up of bulk quantities or commercial use, please call (727) 464-7500. Back to Top

The City's free mulch sites are administered through the Public Works Department. Visit their web page for information on these sites.

Yes, the City does have free mulch located on the south side of the Motor Pool on NE 142 Street and 18th Avenue. Please note that this mulch is not suitable for playgrounds surfacing.

We tested 27 mulches in the field, and found that some supported more artillery fungus than others. In this study, resistant mulch was the large pine bark nuggets. The large bark nuggets stay hard and dry, conditions that the artillery fungus does not like. Cypress mulch also performed well, as it probably contains some anti-fungal, anti-decay chemical(s).

Interestingly, homeowners that put down new mulch each year generally have less of the artillery fungus problem. But, we have not confirmed this practice. But it does seem to work. Don't miss a year!

You really need to ask this question to a compost expert, but most good mulch today is composted to some degree. However, I would insist on a thoroughly composted mulch.

Granular fertilizers are more persistent in the soil; they are absorbed more slowly and last longer. They can be incorporated into the soil at planting or they can also be broadcast onto the surface of the soil of existing plants. Super phosphate, frequently lacking in western soils, is essential for plentiful flowers and strong root growth. Grow Power is an excellent all-purpose fertilizer especially for lawns. It should be worked into the soil when planting turf and ornamental grasses.

In most cases, no, you should not cover your plants for the wintertime. A protective mulch (salt marsh hay, pine boughs, straw, etc.) can be applied after the ground is frozen, and removed with the first thaw. Here in the Midwest that is very hard to do - since we typically have a December thaw, a January thaw, and Feb. and March thaws. The biggest killer of perennials is having the crown of the plant smother (or rot) in the late winter/ early spring.

Mulch is a product that is placed on top of the soil for protection of the plants, to retain moisture, or for beautification. It can range from fresh organic material to well composted organic material.

BOB: Since Hurricane Katrina, people have been concerned about Formosan termites arriving locally in mulch products. After all they say, Formosan termites don't need soil to survive, they only need wood and a source of water. On the other hand, most experts feel the Formosan termites can't survive outside the southern climes.

The best thing to do is probably bag it up and take it to a landfill. At least it’s organic and will rot away. Make sure you don’t put the infested mulch somewhere where you could be held responsible for someone else’s artillery fungus problem. This is out of my field, but it has been suggested that the infested mulch could be put in a yard waste-composting facility. But you really need to ask this question to a “compost expert.

Wood mulch is used around trees, shrubs, landscape plants and flower beds to help reduce weeds, conserve moisture and enhance the natural beauty of the landscape. Gradually wood mulch breaks down slowly and adds organic matter to the soil. Generally, a mulch layer of 2-4 inches will reduce weeds, conserve moisture, and make for an attractive appearance around shrubs and trees. When mulching around trees, remember to keep mulch approximately six inches from the tree trunk.

Mulch is a layer of protective covering that sits above your soil. A mulch is good under your roses for several reasons. First, it helps to hold down the growth of weeds. Second, it helps to keep the water from evaporating out of the soil. Third, it helps to keep the temperature even and insulates it from both excess heat or cold. Fourth, it makes earthworms stay at a higher level in the soil where they do more good for the soil improvement.

Yes, we have a large quantity of hardwood mulch. We will deliver tractor-trailer loads of mulch in about a 50 mile radius. Pickups and dump trucks are welcome.