Frequently Asked Questions
TROPI-MULCH LTD
It is both Functional and Aesthetic. It retards weed growth, reduces water consumption by the plant, slowly decays to produce humus, helps aerate and increase drainage of soil. It keeps root system cooler in dry season. Red Much reflects red light onto the plant. Red light is the most important frequency of light radiation used in photosynthesis. When you purchase our product you assist the El Socorro Center For Wild Life Conservation
It can be used in flower beds around ornamentals and trees (Fruit trees included). It can be used in the vegetable garden around food crops or mixed into soil to form a potting mix. It is suitable for use with Anthuriums and Orchids. It gives a rustic look in garden walkways and in play areas.
Just follow the Instructions on the Label.
Mulch is normally installed at a depth of 4’’ . To calculate the quantity required multiply the length of the bed by the width. Next multiply the previous answer by 0.30 . this will tell you how many 1 Cu.Ft. bags are required. To determine how many 2 Cu.Ft. bags are required divide the last answer by 2.
Example – Length of bed – 12 ft.
Width of bed – 3 ft
Area = L X W = 12 X 3 = 36
36 x 0.30 = 12.
Therefore 12 – 1 CuFt bags required or 12/2 = 6 (2Cu.Ft.Bags)
The Label gives information on coverage related to depth.
If you are installing it for the first time your first purchase will be the largest. Thereafter you will simply need to maintain your beds and top up perhaps once per year.
The bed should be periodically checked for compaction. If compacted, weeds or fungi could begin to grow on its surface, as well as water penetration to the soil is diminished. Use a rake to loosen it up and improve aeration. If fungus is present remove it and the surrounding mulch and rake existing mulch to cover the area. As time progresses and mulch decays the optimum depth of 4’’ will decrease. To prevent weeds from pushing through, top up with new mulch to maintain a 4’’ depth.
During improper storage toxic liquids and gases can form in mulch (SOUR MULCH)They can damage plants if guidelines are not followed. The best way to prevent this is to smell the mulch before use. Do not apply to plants if pungent odor is detected( it should smell like freshly cut wood or garden compost.) FORTUNATELY toxins in sour mulch dissipate rapidly. If you have sour mulch simply spread it out in a thin layer on a driveway or tarp or anywhere it would not pose threat to plants. Exposure to air will usually get rid of gaseous toxins. If the weather is dry you can water the pile with a hose to leach out liquid toxins. The next day you can install your mulch safely.
Tropi-Mulch is packaged in perforated bags to prevent sour mulch. It should be stored in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight and should not be stacked too high for extended periods ( more than 3 months)The manufacturer tries to package product which is low in moisture content but this is not always possible. Moisture in the product will condense on the interior of the bag. If left in the bag for extended period s this may encourage mould growth. Tropi-Mulch Ltd. Compared our product shelf life to that of jolly Gardener and Florida gold Brand. Samples were placed in storage since July 2010. On Examination White Mould was visible in the foreign brands after just 3 months , none has been seen in the Tropi-Mulch samples as yet. We recently packaged Tropi-Mulch samples with a high moisture content and will monitor for appearance of mould.
The components of our Mulch is Local hardwood which is quite dense. In addition particle size vary from sawdust to 4’’ splinter. They interlock in a matrix that resist wind and rain.
When enclosed in the bag , condensate saturates the wood fibres and the color gets darker. However , when the product is removed from the packaging and installed moisture evaporates and color returns to normal.
It is safe for both children and pets (see MSDS)
Tropi-Mulch is manufactured locally from Non –Allelopathic wood species. It does not contain wood derived from pallets(skids) or plywood orcrates which contain additives such as Methyl Bromide and Arsenic which are Carcinogenic. The manufacturers have been using the wood derivatives around plants( ornamental/ fruit and vegetables ) for over 60 years, long before mulch was produced as a commercial product. During that time no adverse effects have been observed. The finer wood particles have been blended with sand to produce a customized soil for the Mittleider Grow Box Method . For over 24 years vegetables ( including cauliflower, broccoli, lettuce, tomato, patchoi,sweet peppers and cabbages ) have been successfully grown in this medium. Independent Testing has been obtained from The Central Experiment Station @ Centeno to Verify our claims. . Tropi-Mulch is also seeking membership from the Mulch and Soil Council of The U.S. A. As with all products- (Appliances, Pharmaceuticals , tools and automobiles. )Established industry guidelines must be followed in order to obtain optimum benefits. Tropi-Mulch is one of the only Mulch product that provides guidelines for use.
Mulch can encourage insects. It provides a cover from the harsh abiotic factors of light and heat. The soil beneath mulch is cool and moist , a welcoming climate for animals. Any organic material has the capability of drawing bugs. This is not bad though as this is part of the natural scheme of things in nature. Tropi-Mulch will not attract any more bugs than would not normally already be there.
Tropi-Mulch is a blend of Bark as well as hardwood. Termites like to dine on the wood and not the bark. Hence the bark acts as a repellent.
In addition one of the wood products used to manufacture Tropi-Mulch contains a pleasant smelling resinous oil that is a natural insect repellant and it also retards decay of the wood. –A Biological insect repellant.
Samples of Tropi-Mulch was compared to Foreign Mulch Brands ( FLORIDA GOLD AND JOLLY GARDENER) Small insects, lizards and even frogs were periodically visible within all the mulch brands. In addition they all showed signs of fading after 3 months of exposure to the Trini weather
As time passes the Mulch will slowly decompose. The different components will decompose at different rates. Weathering, Fungi. Earthworms, insects and microbes slowly consumes the wood and recycles the nutrients ( organic and inorganic) back into the soil. The decayed remains is called humus and it provides vital nutrients to the plant.
Both colored and natural mulch deteriorate with exposure to weathering and U.V from sunlight. The rate of deterioration depends on quantity of sunlight. Tests done by Tropi-Mulch Ltd indicate that color fades marginally after 3 months in the dry season but may extend to 6months in rain season. Colored samples get pale in color whilst natural wood color mulch takes on a grey appearance.
There is NO NEED TO DO SO ! Only the top surface exposed to the elements will fade. So simply use a rake to turn over the surface to expose the fresh layers below. When you have exhausted this option ( ie after repeated turnover) you can sprinkle a fresh layer of new mulch .
Mulch dyes are produced by reputable firms in the U.S. They come with M.S.D.S. and have undergone extensive field tests. They are perfectly safe around plants and animals. Red dye is made of Iron Oxide whilst Black dye is made from charcoal. Consumers can obtain a copy of such documents by request.
Gloves should be used as well as protective clothing so as to minimize soiling of hand and clothing with dye stuff. The Mulch should not be exposed to rain for at least 12 hours in order for the dye to cure. If it is exposed to water before curing occurs some degree of bleeding may occur. If dye gets on hand or clothing simply wash with copious amounts of water.
If the mulch is to be placed on a concrete surface prior to installation , a tarp can be placed on the surface to prevent dye from coming into contact with the concrete. If dye gets onto any surface it can be easily removed by immediately flushing with water.
The Manufacturer of this product is a Qualified Research Chemist with many years experience in Industry both locally and abroad. We employ strict Quality Control systems to ensure product meets high standards All raw materials are inspected before use. Wood fibres from safe”non allelopathic’ species are blended in a specific ratio and then colorant of a predetermined ratio is added. Samples are then tested for (i) colorant adhesion and (ii) fade resistance .
We are in the process of aligning our production process along established ISO systems.