Think Globally
The Economics of Mulching
Mulching can be viewed as an economic issue. Leaving yard trimmings at home is a means whereby the homeowner can stop paying for the plastic bags, the trash hauler and the waste disposal operation. Mulching means lower taxes.
With mulching and composting, householders can manufacture their own topsoil and soil amendments. At three dollars per cubic foot bag at the garden center, one cubic yard of mulched yard trimmings represents a saving of over $80.
If one cubic yard of compost can be blended to make ten cubic yards of topsoil, then a yard of compost can equal one truckload of black dirt worth at least $100.
In addition to the cost benefits, you also reduce your dependence on landfills while experiencing first-hand the satisfaction of conserving natural resources. Like those who enjoy feeding wild birds, mulching is a means of feeding the soil ecosystem and the associated plants, trees, and landscape that give us pleasure while beautifying our homes.
© 2000, Jim McNelly