Spring has officially sprung in Southwest Florida… and if the longer evenings haven’t tipped you off yet, daylight savings time definitely has. With that, our store hours have shifted a bit, so here’s the quick rundown: our South Venice and Port Charlotte MRT ACE locations are now open Monday through Saturday from 7am to 7pm and Sunday from 8am to 6pm. Our North Venice location is keeping it simple and steady, open 7 days a week from 8am to 6pm.
Now, if you’re the kind of person who prefers a little elbow room while you shop (or you’ve got a full-blown “I need help redesigning this entire landscaping bed” situation), let me let you in on a little secret. The sweet spots to come in are typically early mornings from 7am to 10am and later in the day from 4pm to 7pm. That’s when things slow down a bit, parking is easier, and our team has more time to really dig in with you—whether that means helping you pick the right plants, figuring out spacing, or just talking through your vision without feeling rushed.
Speaking of getting your yard in shape, let’s talk mulch… because this is about the time of year everyone starts loading up their carts like they’re preparing for a backyard makeover show. The big question I get all the time is, “How much mulch is too much?” and the honest answer is—more than you think. Around here, 2 to 3 inches is the sweet spot, and that’s not just me talking, that’s straight from UF/IFAS recommendations. Anything beyond that and you’re not helping your plants, you’re actually starting to work against them. Too much mulch can trap moisture, limit oxygen to the roots, and create the perfect environment for rot and pests.
And while we’re on the topic, let’s clear up one of the most common mistakes I see: mulch piled up against tree trunks like a volcano. It might look neat and tidy, but your plants hate it. Keep mulch pulled a few inches away from trunks and stems so they can breathe. Think of mulch like a blanket for your soil, not a turtleneck for your trees.
Now, not all mulch is created equal, and in Southwest Florida you’ve got a few solid options depending on your goals. Cypress mulch is popular for its natural resistance to decay and insects, pine bark is great for improving soil as it breaks down, and eucalyptus mulch has become more common for its durability and clean look. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but if you’re not sure, we’re happy to help you pick what works best for your yard.
One of the biggest benefits of mulching right now is what’s coming next. We’re heading out of dry season and into the time of year where heat, humidity, and those daily summer rains start rolling in. A proper layer of mulch helps regulate soil temperature, keeps moisture where your plants actually need it, and cuts down significantly on weeds trying to take over your beds. It’s one of the easiest ways to give your landscape a leg up before things really start growing like crazy.
That brings us to the age-old question about weed barrier fabric. Does it work? Yes… and no. It can help in the short term, especially in areas where you’re trying to get things established, but over time debris builds up on top of it, weeds find a way (because they always do), and it can actually restrict water and nutrients from getting down into your soil. In most cases, a good 2–3 inch layer of mulch, refreshed as needed, is the better long-term play and lines up with Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles—working with nature instead of trying to completely block it out.
Now here’s the part where you take all this good information and actually do something with it. We’ve got all mulch on sale right now for 3 bags for $10, and pine bark is 3 for $12 for the next few weeks. If your beds are looking a little tired, this is your window to refresh everything before summer storms start rolling in and your weekends get a whole lot hotter.
And just to make your life easier, we load everything into your vehicle for you. No wrestling bags, no awkward parking lot workouts—just pull up and we’ll take care of it.
Spring is one of the best times of year to get your yard dialed in before the heat really cranks up. Whether you’re doing a simple refresh or tackling a full landscape overhaul, come see us—especially during those quieter hours if you want a little extra help. We’ll make sure you leave with a plan, not just a trunk full of mulch and good intentions.