bark mulch thickness alberta landscape plus

Using Bark Mulch in Alberta

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In Alberta, the recommended thickness for applying bark mulch in a flower bed is typically between 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm). This thickness provides sufficient coverage to reap the benefits of mulching while allowing for proper air and water circulation in the soil.

Here are a few considerations regarding mulch thickness

Weed suppression

To effectively suppress weed growth, it is essential to apply a thick enough layer of mulch. A 2 to 4-inch thickness helps smother weed seeds and prevents them from receiving enough sunlight to germinate.

Moisture retention

A mulch layer of 2 to 4 inches is generally effective in retaining moisture in the soil. It helps reduce water evaporation and maintains a more consistent level of soil moisture, which is particularly valuable in Alberta’s climate.

Organic matter decomposition

Over time, the bark mulch will decompose and contribute organic matter to the soil. A thicker layer of mulch allows for a gradual breakdown, enriching the soil with nutrients and improving its structure.

Aesthetics and plant health

Applying a proper thickness of mulch enhances the visual appeal of the flower bed while providing insulation and protection to the plant roots. It helps regulate soil temperature, prevents erosion, and supports healthy plant growth.

It’s important to note that excessive mulch thickness can create problems such as reduced air circulation, moisture retention leading to over-saturated soil, and potential root suffocation. Therefore, it’s recommended to maintain the mulch layer within the suggested range of 2 to 4 inches for optimal results.

Kerry’s Tip: At the trunk,  start with a thin layer of mulch to allow sufficient airflow.  Moving away from the trunk, the mulch can get thicker increasing to 3-4 inches in the spaces between the plants.

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Landscape Plus Client Showcase

Landscape Plus Client Showcase – Gagnon Residence

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About the Job

This property owner worked at Landscape Plus when she was 18 and has remained in touch ever since. Her yard is in the northwest quadrant of Calgary. She loves plants and wanted to get rid of her thin awful grass. The yard is sloped towards the road so any water that lands on the yard runs off into the road.

Landscaping & Design

We completely gutted the yard and removed the grass etc. and leaving a few huge spruce trees and a Schubert Chokecherry. We added the large Rosetta stone steps and installed a cobblestone paver walkway with lower landing. The old stairs have a new cedar look over them and a couple of privacy panels were installed on either side property lines.

The lower level has a washed rock over a professional-grade landscape fabric so that when a vehicle is parked on the street and the passenger gets out, they aren’t stepping and juggling over plants as there is no sidewalk on this side of the street.

Plant Material & Considerations

The plant material is all hardy zone 3. Ornamental shrubs are used throughout for a year-round foundation. Then the perennials are added for an ever-changing blooming time from spring to fall. Mushroom manure was added to amend the existing depleted soil.

We used feature boulders throughout to make it look more natural and to help with any erosion that would happen when those big summer thunderstorms downpours arrive. The yard has a good thick 3“ layer of bark mulch to retain the moisture. There is also a micro irrigation head installed at the base of each plant.

The local rabbit loves to reside in the yard on a regular basis and the squirrels weren’t disturbed and continue to do life in and among the spruce trees!

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Small Engine Mechanic Part-Time Landscape Plus Strathmore

Small Engine Mechanic Part-Time

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Small Engine Mechanic Part-Time

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Assist in keeping small engines maintained and running well
  • Use a preventative maintenance program
  • Provide weekly maintenance on equipment and tools, such as greasing, cleaning, sharpening blades etc.
  • Replace, order and source parts as required
  • Maintain a clean and organized working area

Skills and Abilities:

  • Qualified to evaluate, diagnose and complete repairs on small equipment and tools
  • Time management skills and ability to work both independently and with a team
  • Ability to walk, stand, and crouch for long periods of time
  • Carry a minimum of 30 lbs. and have good manual dexterity
  • Ability to be flexible in a fast paced environment
  • Committed to self-improvement and a willingness to learn new skills
  • Preference will be given to those with applicable training and experience

Working Conditions:

  • Working in a shop and tight spaces
  • Ability to walk, stand and crouch for extended periods of time
  • Extended hours in the peak seasons

Wages:

  • Dependent upon experience

If you are interested in this opportunity, please email  info@landscape-plus.net your cover letter and resume.

Landscape Plus has been a leading landscape construction company located in Strathmore, AB for 31 years.  Landscape Plus is recognized for taking care of its employees, customers, and landscapes. Our area of expertise is creating healthy and appealing landscapes for residential and commercial properties.  Landscape Plus is a growing company and looking for individuals who are passionate about positively sustaining the environment and providing our customers with exceptional landscapes. Our core values align with the acronym G.I.V.E. – Gratitude, Integrity, Value, Excellence.

Landscape Gardener Crew Leader Landscape Plus jobs strathmore

Landscape Gardener Crew Leader

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Landscape Gardener Crew Leader

Key Responsibilities: 

Summer Focus

  • Maintain and care for existing landscapes, including but not limited to, lawn, shrubs, trees and flower beds
  • Plan and manage all daily labour, equipment, and material requirements to complete daily objectives in a timely manner
  • Use a variety of equipment and tools to complete tasks
  • Communication with clients to ensure their needs and concerns have been addressed

Winter Focus

    • Snow clearing – manual labour and equipment operation
    • Ice management

Skills and Abilities:

  • Excellent problem-solving and time management abilities
  • Ability to work both independently and with a team in a fast-paced often changing environment
  • Critical thinker – capable of adapting to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the team
  • Demonstrates success with customer experience management
  • Demonstrates accountability for workmanship with a focus on quality and details

Working Conditions:

  • Love of working outdoors is essential and the willingness to work in inclement weather conditions
  • Able to walk, stand and crouch for extended periods of time.
  • Can lift a minimum of 50 pounds
  • During the peak season is willing to work extended hours
  • Full time, permanent, year-round (spring, summer, fall weekdays and winter as needed)

Qualifications:

  • Minimum 2 years’ experience as a landscape gardener crew leader
  • Landscape Journeyman or Horticulture Diploma an Asset
  • Capable of operating required equipment and tools in a safe and responsible manner
  • Alberta Class 5 drivers’ licence, a safe/clean driving record and reliable vehicle
  • Effective communication skills (both verbal and written – English)
  • Detail oriented

Wages:

  • $20 – $24/hr, dependent upon experience
  • Health spending account after 6 months

If you are interested in this opportunity, please email  info@landscape-plus.net your cover letter and resume.

Landscape Plus has been a leading landscape construction company located in Strathmore, AB for 31 years.  Landscape Plus is recognized for taking care of its employees, customers, and landscapes. Our area of expertise is creating healthy and appealing landscapes for residential and commercial properties.  Landscape Plus is a growing company and looking for individuals who are passionate about positively sustaining the environment and providing our customers with exceptional landscapes. Our core values align with the acronym G.I.V.E. – Gratitude, Integrity, Value, Excellence.

ice melt

Snow and Ice Removal – Pros & Cons of Ice Melt

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Snow and Ice Clearing- Pros & Cons of Ice Melt

Providing winter services like snow and ice clearing can be a slippery slope. Landscape Plus owner Kerry Malakoff explains the pros and cons of ice melt and what alternatives might be better on your property.

What is Ice Melt and when should you use it?

ice melt and pets use with caution
Ice melt can be harmful to pets! Use with caution.

Technically, ice melt is just another word for salt. Also known as deicer, ice melt is designed to lower the freezing point of water, preventing the buildup of ice or breaking up pre-formed ice into liquid slush. It can also break or prevent a bond between the pavement or concrete and the ice.

Deicers should only be used on ice NOT snow. It does not get rid of the problem, however, it changes the snow into a liquid, which freezes and you have an even worse situation with the ice. Snow you can clear but ice is much harder to address and can often stay all winter.

The way we approach it is to PREVENT ice from forming in the first place. Our snow clearing services are triggered on a trace amounts of snow. If we can get to your walkways, drive pads and sidewalks when there is a light dusting, we can tackle the job quickly and easily.

When we clear on trace amounts of snow, we eliminate the chance of it packing and hardening into a slippery mess. We also reduce the risk of it melting and freezing into a layer of black ice.

Years ago we would wait for a couple of centimeters to accumulate before going, but we found it took more effort as we were often dealing with ice. Our approach allows us to use blowers and shovels on walkways, which is where ice melt is most often used.

For parking lots and roadways, we use sanding chips or a plow truck. When it gets too cold, deicers don’t work very well.  When the mercury plummets to -20 Celsius or colder,  a better alternative is to use sand for traction on the ice.

We work all of this into a contract pricing strategy that translates to peace of mind for our customers.

 

Is it safe?

In our experience, all ice melt can have a negative impact on humans, animals, plant life and infrastructure. Especially if it’s used too much.

There are currently no labeling laws when it comes to deicers, so take the labels with a “grain of salt” when they make claims like “pet safe”! If it has a notice that it’s harmful if ingested by humans, there is a good chance it’s not great for your pet’s either. Overuse of deicing products on cement can cause it to deteriorate prematurely.

A better way

Although we have deicing products in our tool chest, we use them as a last resort. Our goal is to clear any snow before it ices up.

Our winter service crew goes out on a trace amount trigger. This doesn’t always work, like when it snows while the roadways and walks are warm in spring and fall, but it’s a great approach when the temps stabilize below zero.

If we do encounter an ice problem that requires us to use ice melt, we use it minimally with a finer granular and an even spread. This results in a faster and more efficient melt.

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