'Mulch' Ado About Nothing? I don't think so!

first mulch pathway, initial application 03/02/13

As mentioned earlier, although the primary reason we are excited about tree-limb mulch is as a covering for gardens, we are also thrilled to test it as a covering for well-worn pathways - both footpaths and tractor trails.

We'd planned to wait until we'd received a few more loads of mulch, just to be sure we had plenty to cover both of our large garden spots.  I know those fellas said they'd be back, and I WANT to believe them...I really do.  But what if we've gotten all we're gonna get?  I shudder at the thought.

This morning, however, our youngest son Cory convinced me to dig in, and start spreading.

There are plenty of unsightly tractor trails to cover, but we decided to begin with the footpath that leads from our back deck to the barn.  I wasn't willing to cover the whole thing just yet (I mean, what if they DON'T come back???), but I agreed to cover the muddy strip between the deck and the garden fence.  Boy, am I glad I did.

I drove the tractor, equipped with a front-end loader, and Cory was armed with a rake.  I spread each load as evenly as I could with the bucket of the tractor, and Cory did the final dressing with the rake.   I didn't count the loads (I should have, I know), but it wasn't too many - four or five maybe?

Once we had the area covered, Cory and I walked all over it to pack it down a bit.  It was a little spongy, but really not as spongy as I'd expected.  We're pleased with the results, and like the way that it looks.  When the rains return (and they will), we're curious to see how the mulch responds.

Now if the fellas will come on with some more truckloads, I'll feel free to cover the rest of the footpath.

One final note:  we've decided to get started on one of the gardens tomorrow afternoon.  More on that, later.

~ Tommy

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