Corcoran Mulch Delivery

Will mulch actually help my hard clay loam soil loosen up?

Yes, but it works from the top down over time. Corcoran clay loam has fine particles that pack tight and crust when they dry. As hardwood or bark mulch breaks down at the soil surface, earthworms and soil microbes pull that organic matter into the top few inches, which improves structure and lets water soak in rather than sheet off. Most homeowners see a noticeable difference after two or three seasons of consistent mulching.

When is the best time of year to mulch here?

Late February through March is ideal, right after our average last frost around February 24. Mulching then locks in the moisture from winter rains before the dry season starts and gets ahead of spring weed germination. A second lighter top up in the fall before the November 27 first frost date helps insulate roots on citrus and other tender plants through cold Valley nights.

Does mulch attract termites or other pests in the Valley?

Termites are present in Tulare County, but mulch itself is not a food source they seek out. The real risk is piling wood mulch directly against stucco, wood siding, or the foundation. Keep a 6 to 12 inch bare gap along the house and keep the mulch under 4 inches deep, and you avoid the damp, hidden conditions pests prefer. Inorganic rock is a safer choice right against the structure.

How fast will mulch fade in Corcoran sun?

Fast. Our summer sun is intense and the season is long, so natural hardwood mulch typically greys within one season. Dyed black and brown mulches hold color longer, usually a year to a year and a half, though the dye still fades under continuous full sun exposure. Many Corcoran homeowners refresh the top inch each spring instead of replacing the whole bed.

Can I put mulch over my drip lines or should it go under?

Put mulch over the drip line. Buried emitters can clog with fines, so most people lay the tubing on the soil surface and cover it with 3 inches of mulch. That keeps the tubing out of direct UV, which extends its life considerably in Corcoran heat, and it stops water from evaporating off the soil surface at every emitter. Just flag your emitter locations before spreading so you can find them later.

Will wind blow my mulch around on an open lot?

Fine bark and small shredded product can drift on the open ground common around Corcoran, especially during spring wind events sweeping the valley floor. Shredded hardwood knits together as it settles and resists blowing much better than nugget bark. Watering the mulch lightly after spreading helps it mat down, and a bender board or masonry edge keeps it in the bed instead of on the sidewalk.