I usually **try** to put down another application of pre-emergent in July, but the last couple years, I haven't managed it. I never tried doing it in fall, but have heard of people doing it.
I tried getting compost and mulch from the county a few tears ago, when I had a truck. What a mess! It had kids toys, hypodermic needles
shoes, all sorts of stuff in it. Since I have used the pine bark chips, it really has me spoiled. Beautiful stuff. I live out in the countryside. Mulch places charge $80 to deliver, 100 bag minimum. I can only fit 6 bags in my little hatch back. I have tried getting "inexpensive" help from the local vocational school nursery trade program, Boy Scouts, the local church ( thinking they might have members who are unemployed), etc. No one wants to do anything for less than $20 an hour. Then when they get here, all they seem to do is text on their phone.
My deer hunter, Andy, is my best bet. He is a busy guy, but can do any thing. I pay him $25 an hour, but he doesn't smoke or spend his time on the phone. He is quick and efficient. I have known him a long time. But since he is so busy with his job and family, sometimes it is a few weeks before he can get to me, unless it is an emergency repair. So, I don't have him do things like weed... But he will spread mulch. I am hoping next spring that I might be able to afford to put another layer of mulch on all the beds.
