FAQ | Mulch Solutions

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FAQ

Clinets most asked and answers to those questions can be found below.

How far can you reach with a blower truck?

We can reach up to 800 ft or more. We can go over, under or around fences. We can go up 32 stories high.

How much can you carry on your trucks?

We can carry up to 70 cubic yards depending on the weight of the material we are installing.

How large of an area does the truck need to park in?

The trucks range from a 45-foot straight truck to a 56 foot tractor trailer

What types of materials can we install with the blower trucks?

We install playground chips, green roof soils, soil mixes, mulches and just about any other type of bulk landscape materials.

How long does an installation take?

It depends on the type of materials being installed. We can install 60 cubic yards of playground material in an hour. Heavy products such as soils, we install about 20 cubic yards of material an hour.

How quickly can I get my job scheduled?

Depending on the time of year. The typical turnaround time is about 1 week.

What type of jobs are best suited for a blower truck?

Blower trucks are best for large open areas. Tree rings and small beds are best installed by our maintenance crews. Most residential jobs are best installed by hand by our maintenance crews.

Are there any price differences if a blower truck is used?

No our pricing is the same no matter the method of installation. We use the most practical method possible to complete each job.

Do you offer price breaks based on volume of material installed?

Yes we do offer discounts based on the volume of material installed.

What is Engineered Wood Fiber or Playground Mulch?

The product we sell EWF (Playground mulch) is made from 100% virgin wood fiber, not used wood, which may contain things you don’t want in your playground. Our product meets standards set by IPEMA (International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association) and complies with ASTM specifications F1292 impact absorption & F1951 for wheelchair access. Most suppliers do not sell certified products.

Can Mulch Solutions construct a safe playground area in my yard? Daycare?

Yes, we will build a playground area in your yard using proper materials and proper construction methods for either commercial or residential use.

When should I top off my playground safety surface?

It will depend on how much use your play area gets. We recommend topping off your playground at least once every 12 months.

How mulch playground safety surface do I need for my playground?

The size and height of the playground equipment you have will determine the depth that your need for your playground. We recommend maintaining a 12-inch depth for commercial playgrounds.

How long does an installation take?

It depends on the type of materials being installed. We can install 60 cubic yards of playground material in an hour. Heavy products such as soils, we install about 20 cubic yards of material an hour.

What is a dig out?

A dig out is the removal of the old, decomposed material from a playground. The decomposition naturally occurs over the course of four to seven years with EWF. (engineered wood fiber). Over time it loses it ability to absorb fall impacts. During the dig out we remove the old, rotted wood and replace with fresh new Playground safety surface.

Does mulch solution install playground sand?

Yes we do install playground sand. It is white in color and does not stain clothes.

Do you install rubber mulch for playgrounds?

Yes, we do install rubber mulch. The material is ADA compliant. It comes in bags or super sacks depending on the quantities required. There is a lead time of approximately two weeks.

Does Mulch Solutions carry Playground Sand?

Yes we furnish and install playground sand for all customers. The sand is pure white and is screened to remove all particles. It is fine in particle size and is best for playgrounds. It will not stain clothes like yellow sand and is not course or rough like masonry sand. There is a minimum on all orders.

Proposals

Do you charge for an estimate?

No, all estimates are free.

How long will it take for me to get an estimate?

We try to turn all estimates around within twenty four hours, during the spring rush it may take two or three days.

I see a number of services listed on the first page of the proposal is there an explanation of what they are?

The second and third pages contain a detailed explanation of the service. If you want further clarification, call the office.

I just received a proposal do I need to sign up for all the services offered.

No each item on our proposal can stand alone. On all our proposal there is a place to initial next to the items you want and send, call or e-mail us and we will put you on the schedule.

I want to go ahead with a full service payment plan how will I be billed?

You have several options. You can prepay for the year and receive a two percent discount or you can pay as you go for services rendered or we will break the contract down into monthly payments. We allow you the freedom of choice.

Billing

The work is complete when will I receive an invoice?

We bill for all work completed during the previous month at the end of the month. Invoices are normally received by the 5th day of the following month. You than have thirty days to pay the invoice.

Can I pay by Credit Card?

Yes we accept all major credit cards.

What payment options do you have?

Regular maintenance contacts have 3 options – prepay for the season and receive a two percent discount pay each month for the work that was done in the previous month. Installment plans. In some instances installment plans may not be available.

What about a one time job like a spring mulching?

Once the job is complete and we have touched base with the client to insure they are satisfied an invoice is sent out. The only exception is a onetime mowing which must be paid in advance!

How are invoices sent out?

We like to be environmentally friendly and send out invoice by e-mail, but we can send them out in the mail at your request.

Do you ever require a deposit?

Yes on large jobs we may require a deposit. We will let you know that in the proposal if a deposit is required.

I have a question on my invoice what should I do?

You can call the office. Our office hours are 8am-4pm Monday through Friday. Messages left overnight will be returned the next business morning. You mail also e-mail us using the e-mail address info@mulchsolutions.com.

Do you do just lawn mowing?

Yes. We offer several different plans for mowing.

How long is the mowing season?

It is weather dependent. We typically start the last week of March and go through the first or second week of November.

What if my lawn does not need to be cut a particular week?

Contact our office at least 24 hours prior to your normal schedule date and we can skip the cutting for that week.

What happens if it rains?

When it is too wet to work, we will do our best to get the job done as close as possible to the day your lawn is normally scheduled for.

What is the best cutting height for the lawn?

This will depend on your type of grass. The most common variety of grass in the area is tall fescue. The best height is 3-3 ½ inch.

What is aeration?

Aeration is the removal of small plugs of soil with a machine in which to allow air to flow though the soil and alleviate the compactness of the soil.

When is the best time to do aeration and seeding?

We recommend doing it in the early fall (Late August to early October)

What else is done with the aeration and seeding?

When you do aeration and seeding together it will provide a good point in which the seed can make contact with the ground. Adding starter fertilizer and lime will help give the new seed a solid foundation to take hold by providing nutrients and soil Ph balance. Topdressing will help feed your soil with micro nutrients that your soil needs.

What fertilization plans do you offer?

We have both an organic plan and a herbicide program. Depending on the program we do anywhere from 4-11 visits during the year.

Does your staff have the correct license to apply fertilizers and herbicides?

Yes we have both registered technicians and commercial applicators on staff.

When do you spray for mosquitos?

We do not start spraying for mosquitos until mid-May once the larva have started to form. We use products that will break the breading cycle of the mosquito. We do applications every two weeks.

How deep do you install mulch?

We recommend a depth of approximately 2 inches. This does not mean that you need to put down 2 inches of new mulch every year. When too much mulch is applied it prevents air and water from reaching the soil.

I have orange or yellow growth on my newly installed mulch. What is it?

Slim molds are frequently observed when they form large colonies on mulch around trees or shrubs. They may initially appear as a slimy mound or mass. They often appear in shades or orange or yellow. They will brown or turn grey in a few days. They are harmless and caused by moisture and temperature changes.

How long does it take to install mulch at my residence?

It depends on the size of your property. A good rule of thumb is that it takes 1 man hour per cubic yard of mulch. Cleanups usually take about 2/3 of an hour per cubic yard of mulch to be installed.

How often should I have a leaf removal performed?

We offer several different periods to choose from for having a leaf removal service performed. The more tree coverage you have the more frequently you should have them removed from your lawn.

What do you do with the leave that are collected?

We send a separate truck to vacuum up the leaves. The leaves are then hauled away to be recycled.

Do you clean gutters?

Yes we do. Normally we do that when we perform a leaf removal service, but we can do them any time of year.

What is your warranty on plants?

All perennials, shrubs and trees are covered under a one year one time replacement warranty.

Where do you buy your plants?

Our plants are normally bought from local growers within a hundred-mile radius of Washington DC. We find he plants do much better when they are raised in the same climate as the one they are planted in. We work on a just-in-time system so the plants are always fresh.

Can I see the plants at your yard prior to installation?

No. Photos will be provided upon request. We do not stock plants like a nursery retail center.

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