Frequently Asked Questions

What is mulch?
What is compost?
Can compost be used as mulch?
Why is it important for compost to be fully composted?
What is 'finished' compost?
Why is soil pH important?
When is soil pH important?
How can I determine the pH of my soil?
Is Pine Bark a good soil amendment or mulch?
Is Saw Dust a good soil amendment or mulch?
Are Cotton Burrs a good soil amendment?
Is Manure a good soil amendment?
Should I be concerned about the chemical Picloram?
Should I be concerned about the herbicide Clopyralid?
What are the differences between and pH Balanced Compost and other SBS composts?
What is the difference between compost made from plant material and compost made from animal waste?
What materials are used in SBS composts and soil mixes?
What are the differences between the various composts that SBS sells?
Is mulch an adequate cushion for a playground? What other alternatives are there?
Does SBS offer installation services?
Can SBS refer me to a landscape contractor?
How do I determine the amount of soil that I need?
What is the difference between SBS materials and materials manufactured by other companies?
What is the best soil for a vegetable garden?

Didn't see what you needed? E-mail us so we can answer your specific question.

What is mulch?

Mulch is a product that is placed on top of the soil for protection of the plants, to retain moisture, or for beautification. It can range from fresh organic material to well composted organic material.

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What is compost?

Simply stated, when organic material has been thoroughly decomposed and been through the appropriate number of composting cycles it becomes compost. More specifically, the composting process requires moisture, oxygen, aerobic microbes, carbon/nitrogen ratios and time. Compost is a nutrient rich material that feeds plants and creates an environment that is conducive to plant growth. It differs from mulch, as mulch (or partially decomposed matter) is typically non-decomposed material, and therefore harmful to plants if placed in the root zone (see our Common Problems page to view other common problems associated with so-called ‘compost’ that has not been fully decomposed).

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Can compost be used as mulch?

Yes. Compost can be used as mulch, but mulch should not be used as compost, nor should it be placed in the root zone.

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Why is it important for compost to be fully composted?

When a poorly composted organic material is mixed into the soil it will consume the nutrients for its own decomposition and cause a deficiency in the plants. This decomposition process creates methane gas and other toxins, which often robs the plant roots of oxygen. As a result, planting in improperly or partially decomposed materials will typically stunt or kill the plants. See our Common Problems page to view other common problems associated with non-SBS soils.

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What is 'finished' compost?

Compost which undergoes adequate decomposition will normally result in a product that favors plant growth, improves soil fertility and potentially suppresses soil-borne pathogens. Such a compost is considered a "finished compost". Unfortunately, often times compost will not be fully matured, meaning it does not undergo sufficient breakdown to become stable and growth promoting. Such composts may not only be odorous, they may also be "phytotoxic", and will suppress plant growth. The primary cause of the retardation is oxygen deprivation within the root zone (from methane gas emissions via the decomposition process) and direct damage via volatile organic acids present in unripe compost. Such composts often have a medium to high respiration rate, and may have a high ammonia level as well. Unfortunately, it is difficult to visually inspect compost to determine whether or not it is 'finished', therefore, it is imperative to use compost from trusted and reputable suppliers.

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Why is soil pH important?

Nearly all plants prefer the pH to be in the neutral zone (6.5 – 7.5) in order to flourish. Plants are able to absorb and assimilate nutrients much more easily when the soil has the proper pH. Plants suffer in soil with an elevated pH. The Metroplex soil has a naturally high pH arond 8.4. The alkaline soil causes plant growth to be slowed or stunted.

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When is soil pH important?

Most landscape plants do their best when planted in a neutral pH soil.

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How can I determine the pH of my soil?

Soil pH can be determined by soil testing companies and special equipment that measure pH levels of soil. Generally speaking, all Metroplex soil has an elevated pH of about 8.4.

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Is pine bark a good soil amendment or mulch?

Absolutely not! Although pine bark is extensively promoted as an inexpensive soil conditioner and/or mulch it is actually the very worst organic material you could use (with the exception of saw dust, which may be worse). You should avoid all forms of pine bark, regardless if it is raw, aged or composted. Pine bark is nearly void of any nutrient content, very slow to decompose, a poor aerator, does not significantly aid in moisture retention and can cause severe nitrogen tie-up in the soil (requiring prodigious amounts of nitrogen to prevent chronic chlorosis in the planted material. See our Common Problems page to view other common problems associated with non-SBS soils.

For more information on this topic, here is Howard Garrett, the Dirt Doctor:

First, it doesn't behave itself - wont stay in place. It washes and blows around. When it does stay in place, it's not very good for plants. As pine bark breaks down, some rather nasty natural chemicals are released - such as phenols and terpenes that outgas and damage biological activity in the soil. These chemicals are basically antimicrobial. That works fine while on the tree trunk but not well in the soil.

Pine bark is used widely as a bed preparation material but should not be. The fine and medium sized products are the worst choices. Very fine particles of pine bark mulch can rob nitrogen from the soil. The large size deco bark is a fair mulch to use for shrubs and ground covers. The large chunks stay in place a little better and allow air to flow around the large pieces and down to the soil and to the plants' roots. But, there are much better choices.

The best mulch to use is shredded native tree trimmings. Ground up trimmings straight from the tree care company's truck are a perfect balance of carbon from the wood and bark along with protein (nitrogen) from the flowers, fruit, buds, stems, cambium and green leaves. Some people object to the coarse texture but the horticultural aspect is perfect. Not only is the product a perfect balance of carbon and nitrogen (C:N), the shredded texture functions to hold the mulch in place even on slopes. Shredded cedar is available and is really an excellent mulch but a shredded mix of trees types and bushes is even better. Variety is the spice of life! Some compost companies regrind and partially compost the product to produce a more visually pleasant look but the raw product works just as well or better.

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Is sawdust a good soil amendment or mulch?

No! Sawdust should not be used as a soil amendment or mulch. As a fresh soil amendment, it is very slow to decompose, is void of nutrient content, is a poor aerator due to its small particle size, does not significantly aid in moisture retention and can cause severe nitrogen tie-up in the soil. Some Metroplex compost yards use saw dust as a major ingredient of their materials, however, to avoid numerous problems (short and long-term), it is strongly recommend that you avoid materials containing sawdust. See our Common Problems page to view other common problems associated with non-SBS soils.

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Are cotton burrs a good soil amendment?

Yes! Cotton burrs are very rich in protein and have nearly twice the nutrient values of normal manures. Once fully decomposed, cotton burrs are a powerful supply of nutrients and nitrogen available to the plants. Cotton burrs also break-up tight clay based soils, improve moisture retention in sandy soils, encourage mycorrhizal interaction with root systems, and does not tie up nitrogen or other nutrients in the soil. The fully decomposed cotton burrs used in SBS compost have no chemicals, weeds or insects and are ecologically friendly.

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Is manure a good soil amendment?

Yes! Manure is a great source of nitrogen and nutrients, as long as the manure is fully composted. If not fully composted, the manure will emit methane gas, which is detrimental to plants. Over-use of manures can contribute to excessive levels of nitrogen and potassium, as well as a lack of available phosphorus, which can cause excessive leaf and stem growth, delayed maturity and poor storage quality in flowers. Raw manures are higher in total nutrient content than dry manures, have a higher population of micro-organism and contain high levels of organic matter, however, the high levels of ammonium in fresh manure can burn plant material. Raw manures may also contain viable weed seeds, as well as high levels of sodium, which is harmful to soil structure and can severely inhibit the growth of plants. In contrast, fully composted manure should be odorless, have the appearance of black dirt, and should not burn plants when blended with other soil. Fully composted manure makes a great soil amendment that will produce desirable results. See our Common Problems page to view other common problems associated with non-SBS soils.

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Should I be concerned about the chemical Picloram?

Yes! The chemical Picloram is a persistent herbicide used to control broadleaf plants, brush, conifers and broadleaf trees. It is used to control weeds for agricultural and industrial applications including pasture, rangeland, railroads and power lines. Picloram is extremely phytotoxic (toxic to plants). It poses a significant risk to non-target plants. Estimated concentrations of Picloram in the environment are hundreds to thousands of times the ‘level of concern’ at which 25% of seedlings fail to emerge. As little as 1 part-per-billion in water was found to be enough to permanently damage plants. Animals exposed to toxicity studies showed changes in the liver, decrease in body weight gain, food consumption, liver enzyme changes, skin irritation, redness and swelling. In developmental studies, some signs of maternal toxicity were observed. Picloram is toxic to legumes and some nitrogen fixing grasses. Natural soil building processes may be halted by Picloram. See our Common Problems page on Picloram.

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Soil Building Systems composts and soil mixes are free of Picloram. SBS has periodic lab tests run for the detection of Picloram. The test results show SBS composts to have no (zero) trace elements of Picloram.

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Should I be concerned about the herbicide Clopyralid?

Yes! The chemical Clopyralid is a weed-killing chemical that does not break down well during composting, unlike most other herbicides and pesticides. It is found in herbicides used by professional lawn care companies and in agriculture. It is not found in lawn and garden products for home use. According to the EPA, Clopyralid is not harmful to people or animals at low levels found in compost products. The problem, however, is that Clopyralid tainted compost has been found to damage some non-target plants. Especially vulnerable are tomatoes, peas, beans, potatoes and sunflowers, as well as some landscape plants. Damage to non-target plants result in abnormal growth and may prevent fruit set. Clopyralid is damaging to sensitive crops at concentrations as low as 10 ppb or less.

Soil Building Systems composts and soil mixes are free of Clopyralid. SBS conducts periodic lab tests for the detection of Clopyralid. The test results show SBS composts to have no (zero) trace elements of Clopyralid.

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What are the differences between pH Balanced Compost and other SBS composts?

All SBS composts are thoroughly composted and heat sterilized through a natural aerobic process. When a material has been thoroughly composted it becomes alkaline from the composting process. Likewise the Metroplex soil naturally has an elevated (alkaline) pH level. The pH Balanced Compost products receive additional processing so that when tilled into the Metroplex soil they will help balance the pH of the targeted areas. In addition, the pH Balanced Compost also has a very rich cotton burr base, and therefore has higher levels of nutrients available to the plants.

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What is the difference between compost made from plant material and compost made from animal waste?

The animals’ consumption habits will dictate the potential quality of the manure-based compost. With this in mind, and as long as both materials are composted fully, both will be beneficial to your plants.

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What materials are used in SBS composts and soil mixes?

Depending upon the specific soil product selected, the following various organic materials may be included: landscape and tree trimmings, vegetative materials, cotton burrs, dairy compost, and in the case of soil mixes, various types of soils and sands. SBS does not use treated lumber, pine bark, pallets, mushroom compost or raw manure in any of their products, as these items have been found, through extensive testing, to be detrimental to routine landscape plants and/or to the environment.

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What are the differences between the various composts that SBS sells?

The following provides a brief description of SBS’s different composts (listed from least expensive to most expensive). All SBS composts are fully composted.

Compost Description
Professional Compost Fully composted vegetative compost, for cost sensitive jobs
pH Balanced Compost Cotton burr-based compost, has a neutral pH (Recommended)
Blended Compost Blend of dairy cow manure and vegitative composts
Manure Compost Dairy cow manure compost, TCEQ endorsed, TxDOT compliant
Acid Lovers Compost Very low pH, specifically for acid loving plants

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Is mulch an adequate cushion for a playground? What other alternatives are there?

Mulch is an adequate cushion for playgrounds. SBS also offers cushion materials that are specifically engineered for playgrounds and are compliant with government ASTM standards for impact attenuation and wheelchair accessibility. SBS also offers several pea gravels and sand for this purpose.

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Does SBS offer installation services?

SBS recomends using YardHookup.com. It is a free service and is a great resource for ideas, pricing and getting the job done right the first time by reputable contractors.

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Can SBS refer me to a landscape contractor?

SBS does not offer this service at this time.

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How do I determine the amount of soil that I need?

Measure the areas that you will be planting (length, width (front to back), and depth). Enter these values into the Cubic Yard Converter on the SBS site. This tool will convert your measurements into cubic yards. Cubic Yards is the unit of measurement that the material is sold in.

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What is the difference between SBS materials and materials manufactured by other companies?

SBS has a 30-year track record of success and repeat business. SBS conducts extensive product research and growth charting (over multiple seasons). SBS composts are properly decomposed and are fully composted. SBS products are used in exclusive installations throughout the Metroplex. They are commonly used by premier landscaping companies, municipalities; premier commercial installations, residents of local celebrities, hospitals, schools, State Capital Grounds, Governor’s Mansion, and the like. The products are tried and true, which is how SBS built their business – exclusively through word of mouth and impeccable reputation and integrity. View our Installation Photos to see SBS results. View our Endorsements page to see what customers are saying about SBS products. View our Common Problems page to see what types of problems many others have encountered when using soil products produced by someone other than SBS.

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What is the best soil for a vegetable garden?

SBS offers a number of soil choices appropriate for vegetable gardens. Click HERE for more info

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Didn't see what you needed? E-mail us so we can answer your specific question.