Bark dust, also called bark mulch, is widely used to spruce up garden beds. It has a lot to recommend it. It not only helps to fight weeds and give your beds a manicured, uniform look, but it keeps your plants from drying out in the sun and actually enriches the soil as it breaks down. However, since bark dusk harbors moisture, it can also cause problems if you apply it too close to your foundation.
Mulching right up to the foundation line is a recipe for disaster. Continued moisture against the base of your house can cause mold as well as encourage moisture to seep into your basement. Mulch can also be an open invitation to insects that thrive in moist environments like termites to set up housekeeping behind your walls and in your basement. Avoid these scenarios by keeping your mulch at least six inches away from the base of your house. Your garden beds will still be healthy and attractive, but you’ll prevent the hazards of having damp bark dusk right up against your structure.
Mulching your garden with Kaufman’s Home Maintenance
Mulching your garden can be back-breaking and messy work. Plus, you need to make sure that you keep that damp bark well away from your house. Kaufman’s Home Maintenance can help you apply the bark so that it looks nice, but doesn’t threaten the integrity of your home.
In addition to helping you with your garden work, Kaufman’s Home Maintenance offers a full range of home repair and handyman services, both on a demand basis and as a subscription service. We tailor our packages to meet your individual home maintenance needs. Just a few of the services we offer include inserting new filters in your furnace and air conditioning systems, washing outside windows, clearing your water drainage system of debris AND putting down mulch in your garden. To learn more about Kaufman’s Home Maintenance Service, call 503-798-4357 or visit KaufmanHelp.com to schedule an appointment.