Mulching For Water Conservation

Wednesday May 10, 2006

Contacts:
Sharon Arnold, Public Relations Counsel, (239) 275-5758, sarnold@gravinasmith.com
Alan Shaffer, Forestry Resources Inc., (239) 334-7343, ashaffer@gomulch.com

MULCHING FOR WATER CONSERVATION

FORT MYERS, Fla. (May 10, 2006) - As Southwest Florida surpasses 45 days without any measurable rain, homeowners are faced with searching for ways to maintain a lush landscape while adhering to mandatory irrigation conservation efforts.
Professional gardeners have long known the use of good mulch conserves water by significantly reducing the moisture evaporation from the soil. Mulching has proven to be one of the best ways to grow healthy plants while conserving water.
"Mulch will help prevent up to 25 percent reduction in soil moisture loss from evaporations," said John Cauthen, president of Forestry Resources Inc. "Mulching also reduces the soil's exposure to wind which increases the reduction in water loss through evaporation."
Mulch is a protective covering, usually of organic matter such as leaves, straw or peat, placed around plants. In addition to the prevention of moisture evaporation, mulch also helps control weeds that compete with landscape plants for water.
"Properly laid organic mulch immediately after planting is paramount during a drought," noted Tom Becker, Florida Yards & Neighborhoods extension agent, Lee County Extension Service. "Installing an organic mulch around groundcovers, annuals or shrubs does indeed increase new plant survival while immediately decreasing the need for frequent hand-watering or frequent irrigation."
The insulating quality of mulch aids in keeping the soil cooler in the summer. "Mulch promotes better root growth and plant health by maintaining even soil moisture and temperature," added Cauthen.
At least three to four inches of mulch should be maintained at all times around plants and trees. Since organic matter decomposes over time, mulch should be replenished as often as necessary.
Since 1983, Forestry Resources Inc. has been a leader in the manufacturing of environmentally friendly landscape materials for wholesale and retail distribution. FRI's FloriMulch products are made from 100 percent melaleuca and meet Florida's Department of Agriculture nematode-free certification standards. For information about Forestry Resources, landscaping and landscape products, and the Southwest Florida environment, call (239) 334-7343, visit one of their six retail locations throughout Lee and Collier counties or go to www.gomulch.com on the Web.
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