Bonita Springs • Lee County
Mulch Installation in Bonita Springs, FL
Bonita Springs adopted the Imperial River Basin Management Plan with the State of Florida in 2012 to improve water quality in the river, and the city regulates nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer under Chapter 44 of its code. Mulch fits into that picture more than people expect. A healthy 2 to 3 inch layer, per UF/IFAS, holds moisture and cuts weeds, which reduces the urge to feed beds during the summer rainy season when the city's fertilizer rules are tightest. What it should not do is end up in the street. Light bark floats, and blocks near the river have seen standing water for days at a time, so Hodges rakes out old, matted mulch first, keeps the new layer below the bed edge, and pulls it back from trunks and stems so wood does not stay wet against bark. Heavier shredded products stay put better on low lots.
or call (239) 301-9455
Where it comes up in Bonita Springs
Pelican Landing
Imperial River corridor
Bonita Beach Road corridor
Plants and materials that suit it in Bonita Springs
- Cocoplum
- Firebush
- Simpson's stopper
- Ixora
- Shredded eucalyptus or melaleuca mulch
- Pine straw
Questions
How deep should mulch be in my Bonita Springs beds?
UF/IFAS recommends about 2 to 3 inches. Deeper than that can keep roots too wet in our rainy months, and mulch piled against trunks invites rot. Old mulch is removed before the new layer goes down so the total depth does not creep up year after year.
My street floods in heavy rain. Will mulch wash away?
Light, chunky bark tends to float off first. On low lots, a denser shredded mulch kept an inch or so below the curb or bed edge holds better, and anything that does wash out should be swept up rather than left to clog storm drains.
Can I fertilize my beds when the new mulch goes down in summer?
Bonita Springs restricts nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer during the summer rainy season under City Code Chapter 44. Check the current dates with the city's Neighborhood Services Department; mulching itself is not restricted and can be done any time of year.