Here are the best mulch options for your lawn and garden. Recycled rubber mulch, like organic mulch, retains soil moisture, regulates soil temperature, and prevents weeds. Earthgro by Scotts All Natural Mulch instantly beautifies landscapes. To cover up inconsistencies in the wood and give it a uniform color, this ground-up trash wood is then sprayed with a tint. Wet the soil with a gentle sprinkler two to three times a day, until the seed germinates. This premium low-maintenance shredded rubber mulch will . But remember, both mulches have to apply at 3 inches deep. Skip to main content Skip to footer content. It is also quite affordable compared with a lot of other products on the market. There are nearly as many varieties of mulch as there are plants. Vigoro - Brown - Bagged Mulch - Mulch - Landscaping . Ft. As an Amazon Associate, I Earn From Qualifying Purchases. Color-enhanced mulch is an ideal way to add vibrant color to your landscape project. In order to buy any of the two mulches, first, you must know where to buy them. ", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "Cocoa bean mulch"}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Is black mulch a good idea? You wont regret it if you take my suggestion and use Scotts mulch. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider And cedar has natural bug repellent properties, perfect for your garden!J. Some mulches come shredded, and they offer your landscape a beautiful look. {"@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{"@type": "Question", "name": "Is black mulch treated with chemicals? . This Premium Mocha Brown Mulch from Wood Ecology's has a rich, earthy color that will complement your lawn or garden. 1. Dyed brown or black mulches, on the other hand, can last a year or longer with little color loss in some products. One bag of Scotts Mulch can cover 6 square feet of land, and with 6 bags, you can cover 36 square feet of land. Youll find it on most online retailers including Amazon, Lowes, and Home Depot. HeyRalph is here! With all the products to create the neighborhoods best lawn or garden, Vigoro offers value and peace of mind that youll get it done right the first time. Spread 3 inches deep. Thats why you must know the price of these mulches. Butler Arts Natural Landscaping Seashells: A tropical look may not fit your decorating style and this mulch is more expensive than most other choices. Type: Organic | Use: Weed prevention, moisture control. I use the pine mulch/chips in the coop. Avoid using this mulch before seeds germinate and around under-developed plants. How Do You Get Rid of Weeds? "}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "What is black mulch made from? 4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars (293) $24.99 $ 24. Its hard to separate the Vigoro wood mulch and the Scotts mulch in terms of longevity. Colored mulch has three different origins, all of which are harmless: red mulch is dyed with iron oxide. Wood mulch will eventually break down into the soil so you need to spread more every 3-4 years. Harsh sun or extreme weather can cause the color to fade faster. 5. The lawn fertilizer was very easy to spread and covers a lot of ground for the portion size. Mulch benefits a garden by retaining moisture, regulating temperature, and suppressing weeds. It is dark brown in color and very lightweight. ", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "Black mulch is made of a variety of different materials, including wood chips, lava rock and rubber. When You Breathe In Your Diaphragm Does What? Free shipping on orders over $35! Mulch is an easy and inexpensive way to protect and nourish your landscaping. Wood Chips: 5-7 years. Cedar mulch is pet-friendly because it is finely shredded. Fall is another great time to mulch your garden, especially if you are using organic mulch to improve your soil quality. However, some mulch can pose a risk to animals: cocoa husk, some types of wood and potentially grass clippings. ", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "Is dyed mulch safe for vegetable gardens? . It's no surprise that maintaining a garden is a full-time job in and of itself, and FibreDust's CoCo Mulch makes your time trimming and watering that much easier. As a result, your soil remains hydrated, and weeds cannot grow. I don't sleep, sleep is for the weak. Before adding more layers, remove as many of the old ones as possible. All you need to do is water occasionally to keep the mulch in place. But, since black attracts and retains sunlight and heat, this mulch cannot be used in areas with delicate plants. Are you thinking about which griddle is the best choice for you in the market? Other exclusions can include Pet Food, Feed, Bird Seed, Cat Litter, Wood Pellets, Grass Seed, Soils, Fertilizers, Fire Wood, Lubricants & Fluids, Long Handle Tools One of the essential benefits of Scotts is its color retention ability and protection power. Colored mulch does need to be replaced at the end of the season or more often, depending on how much sun it receives. 2. Concentrated Bag at Amazon, Earthgro by Scotts Black Colorized Mulch at Home Depot, Scotts Topsoil Lawn & Garden Soil Conditioner at Lowe's, GreenView Fairway Formula Seed Success Mulch at Amazon, The 8 Best Garden Hoses of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The Best Gardening Tools of 2023 Every Gardener Should Have, Soil Blend Super Compost 8 lbs. It works just as any other mulch does by locking in moisture, blocking weeds from getting sunlight, and regulating the temperature of the soil underneath. Hi! We found that Scotts fertilizer produces a much more lush looking, dark green grass that looked great. Knowing them will help you determine which works best for you. Planning a full clean out next month. Scotts Nature Scapes Triple Shred Mulch, Scotts Nature Scapes Color Enhanced Mulch. Rubberific Shredded Rubber Mulch is more durable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly compared to wood mulch. The main differentiating factor between the two Scotts products is the source of the wood used. This organic option is made with cow manure, alfalfa meal, and pure earthworm castings. Shrub Hub vs Yardzen | Whats the Difference? It's perfect for all times of the year since it will prevent overheating in warm weather and insulate roots during the colder months. 99 $29.79 $29.79. Mulch doesn't necessarily attract termites, but can serve as an invite for them to feast on your house. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. Your soil can preserve moisture with the help of Scotts mulches. So, Vigoro mulches can cover more areas than Scotts. I use mulch for bedding for my meet birds, the more broken down the better, left out in the elements for a couple seasons even, then it gets composted with the manure and becomes wonderful garden compost. Organic mulch includes anything that is made from a natural material, such as wood, paper, straw, grass clippings, or compost, that will decompose over time. Its important when mulching a vegetable garden to choose a product that is easy to maintain and isnt too expensive, as you will be turning over your garden at the end of the season. Best for Landscaping: NuScape Rubber Mulch Nuggets. Although it does break down eventually, it will last for years to come. Made from forest products, Earthgro Brown Wood Mulch helps conserve soil moisture, moderate soil temperature and prevent weeds naturally by blocking growth and access to sunlight when applied at a 3 in. If not, please tell me how I can improve this article. BEST OVERALL: HOOPLE Garden Weed Barrier Landscape . It is available in red and brown, and there is a 12-year color guarantee too. Before winter, I use empty feed bags to bag some up. Once the mulch is in place in the garden, these dyes are mixed with water and sprayed on it. The main differentiating feature is the ColorGuard Technology, which locks in the color and guarantees that it wont fade. Grass Clippings: 1-6 months. 2002-2023 The Scotts Company LLC. Landscape fabric can also serve as a great base layer to protect against weeds; mulch can then be laid over top. Step #5 - Level out the mulch. Black mulch is made of a variety of different materials, including wood chips, lava rock and rubber. This Cocoa Shell Mulch is derived from the shell of the cocoa bean. The rubber mulch, in particular, is excellent value for money. Use a rake to spread the mulch into an even layer. Carol says. Wet mulch sticks as well, making it more difficult to spread and clean off the driveway in the end. I read a lot and that has exposed me to knowing a lot of things. Covers over 3,000 sq. Covers approximately 12 square feet at 2" depth. Mulchs main purpose is to help the soil retain moisture and prevent weed; Scotts mulches do those quite well. 00 Cents / each. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. The producers of Vigoro Premium Red Mulch claim that the product will last up to 12 years. Regardless of the color or material it is made of, mulch slows water loss from the soil and prevents weeds from growing."}}]}. Rake it to one side as you tend to the soil underneath. Because the bark mulch reduces water evaporation, your tropical house plants will require less watering. But Vigoro offers rubber mulch as well as wood, so they have a better range. They are also famous for their water retention capability and adequate protection against weeds. Vigoro Mulch is a wood mulch product that is designed for use on flowerbeds in your yard. This arrow should point to the carburetor for proper installation., Copyright 2023 TipsFolder.com | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. Join our mailing list to keep tabs on how to care for your lawn! A red mulch can also be used as a backdrop for plants with yellow flowers. ", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "When it comes to the garden, organic and natural is the best way to go. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Tilled and worked in organic matter into DIRT that has not been used for a decade and I bought 10 bags of brown Press J to jump to the feed. Our top pick for most mulch application needs is the Texas Native Hardwood Mulch (view at Lowe's) for its low cost, durability, and all-natural material. Required fields are marked *. The company produces potash, nitrogen and other fertilizer ingredients at mines in Saskatchewan and the United States. Best for Flower Beds: Soil Blend Super Compost 8 lbs. Is there a penalty for cashing out life insurance? One bag will cover eight square feet when placed three inches deep. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts See our Privacy Policy to learn more about what information we collect, your preferences, and rights. When choosing a mulch color, pick a hue that accents or coordinates with your home. Pine, cedar, and cypress are probably the three of the most popular mulch options and they should all be dog-friendly. Your email address will not be published. This can help regulate the temperature of the soil and retain moisture, both beneficial to the roots of plants growing in the mulch. You cannot use it near your house foundation or wooden surfaces. The "best one" depends on garden soil conditions, drainage, the aesthetics you desire, and how much you want to spend. A 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch naturally helps prevents weed from sprouting and taking over the landscape by blocking their growth and access to sunlight. Read our, Texas Native All-Natural Hardwood Mulch at Home Depot, Vigoro Premium Colorized Mulch at Home Depot, CleanStraw Long Leaf Pine Straw at Maxwarehouse.com, Soil Blend Super Compost 8 lbs. Its ColorGuard technology helps mulches to retain color for years. Mary Marlowe Leverette is a freelance writer and editor who specializes in home, kitchen, and gardening. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. This comes with a guarantee that there are no construction materials (which can be found in mulch made from pallets) which can damage the soil. Bagged Brown Mulch. ft. Mocha Brown Bagged Rubber Mulch . Inorganic mulch includes types that are made of synthetic materials, such as rubber pellets or plastic weed sheets. But remember, both mulches have to apply at 3 inches deep. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. For the most part, both types of product work extremely well. Both windows have unique Hi. This paper mulch/fertilizer combo keeps water in, regulates temperature, and stays put thanks to the included tackifier. Pine is slightly more acidic, so it takes longer to decompose than other organic mulches. ", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "Cedar Mulch A popular choice for dog owners. Simply work it into the soil to add nutrients and replace it with a new layer. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. On the other hand, Vigoro offers premium quality mulches that effectively enhance the beauty of a landscape and protect it from weeds. Then, apply the straw until it's fully covered. When deciding between black mulch and brown mulch, take into consideration the fading, cost . Pine, cedar, and cypress are probably the three of the most popular mulch options and they should all be dog-friendly. Vigoro Premium Red Mulchs manufacturer claims that it can last up to 12 years. It will require a larger investment upfront but will last for years without needing to be changed. Besides, it offers good color retention to landscapes. Somehow putting rubber or plastic pellets around natural vegetation just doesn't seem right. Then you've come to the right place! Differences Between Scotts Triple Action And Weed And Feed, Differences Between Jonathan Green And Scotts Lawn Food. For a long-lasting mulch that will not fade or deteriorate, rubber mulch is the way to go. Compost is a great way to mulch flower beds since it provides nutrients to the soil and looks neat and attractive as well. At a 3-inch depth, 1 bag of Scotts mulch can cover 6 square feet, whereas 1 bag of Vigoro Mulch can cover 8 square feet. Bear in mind that 2,000 pounds of long-lasting, durable rubber mulch will cover around 15 square yards at a 6-inch depth, for a cost per square yard of a little over $20. This all-natural hardwood mulch is the perfect balance of value, use, and quality. Made from forest products, Earthgro Mulch helps conserve soil moist. Without sunlight, most weeds won't grow. 2002-2022 The Scotts Company LLC. To get the benefit of improving the soil (in addition to the rest of the mulch benefits), youll want to select a wood mulch variety. There is no evidence that the dyes used to color wood chip mulch are toxic at this time. Vigoro Premium Colorized Mulch. To help encourage good drainage to keep the ground drier and prevent washouts from downspouts, this area can be topped with natural stone or an inorganic mulch like plastic or rubber pellets. Its worth checking the prices regularly because it often goes on sale. Inorganic mulch includes anything made from synthetic materials, such as rubber mulch or plastic weed cloth. Per 1 BagAvailabilityEasily AvailableLess AvailablePriceAround $42Around $3.33. Amber902; Nov 4, 2022; Coop & Run - Design, Construction, & Maintenance; Replies 3 Views 264. A. There are actually two types of wood mulch that termites dislike cedar and heartwood cypress mulch. Best Budget: Vigoro Premium Colorized Mulch. It was also harder to put out. Free Standard Shipping is available for Preferred Plus Neighbors on most orders over $29 made online or in the TSC App. FibreDust's CoCo Mulch is made of 100% coconut husk, is nontoxic, and won't have to be replaced for up to three years. These two premium mulches, available in black, brown, and red, also provide you with rich color that lasts up to a year. Don't lay down a super thick layer of organic mulch or it may hold moisture for too long. The makers of Vigoro Premium Red Mulch say their product lasts up to 12 years. The composition of most black mulch is harmless to the vegetable plant. What is Vigoro mulch made from? MSI Dorado Beach River Rock: It's hard to maintain in areas where deciduous shrubs and trees shed leaves. Besides, your soil can retain moisture and use it when needed because of Scotts mulches. If you want to reduce your yard maintenance, you may opt for this rubber mulch instead. You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here. This warm season grass is one of the highest quality, low maintenance grasses around. Vigoro performed very similar to Scotts on the weed front and is much better for weed preventionr than weed killing. Here on this blog, documenting my knowledge. With the right mulch, you can make your lawns landscape beautiful. At this time, there is no evidence that the dyes used to color wood chip mulch are toxic. as well as other partner offers and accept our. Most colored mulches are dyed with harmless dyes, like iron oxide-based dyes for red or carbon-based dyes for black and dark brown. 2023 MasterCard African Scholarships at University of California, Berkeley, Eni/St Antonys College Scholarships for African Student at Oxford University UK, 2023, Yale Young Global Scholars Scholarship For Africans 2023, University of Lincoln 2022 Africa Scholarship for African Students UK. It's easy to use and maintain and perfect for playgrounds and play areas. VIGORO Brown Mulch is a 100% premium wood mulch that will protect and enhance your landscape with a natural, finished look. It's easy to use and maintain and perfect for playgrounds and play areas. Just be ready to invest upfront in its higher cost. Weeds or any unwanted plant growth are best controlled with a mulch that blocks sunlight completely. Rubber mulch won't provide soil with organic material but will control weeds, and you don't need to replace it as often as wood. VIGORO Brown Mulch is a 100% premium wood mulch that will protect and enhance your landscape with a natural, finished look. . Vigoro Premium Brown Mulch by Sims Bark Co. On November 13, 1995, The Mosaic Company acquired chemicals company Vigoro Corporation for 1.2B USD. According to my above discussion, there is no clear winner here. Hi, Welcome to my Blog. Mulches can be made of many different materialsthere arewood mulches, rock mulches, and synthetic mulches. Plastic, stone, gravel, some types of wood . Statements made sale day take precedence over all other printed materials. The manufacturer uses natural elements from forests to make mulch. However, they are available in fertilizer stores, supermarkets, etc. Model# 52050196 (15136) $ 3 33. Buying Guide. . Mulch doesnt necessarily attract termites, but can serve as an invite for them to feast on your house. Yard-to-you 1 Cubic Yard Brown Mulch . Coverage is a crucial feature of a mulch. While a lot of wood mulch is made from scrap wood and old pallets, Scotts has brands made from a mixture of reclaimed forest materials. So, rather than wasting any more time, lets begin. With ColorGuard technology, these mulches will never fade with time. However, as with most things, you get what you pay for. Canada. Keep mulch several inches from tree trunks and house . Buy 30 or more $ 3.00. Dirtco. Vigoro Red Mulch is a 100% premium wood bagged mulch that will protect and enhance your landscape providing a natural, finished look. 3 How long does vigoro premium red mulch last? Mulching a garden helps control weeds and soil erosion, conserves moisture, protects soil and plant roots from harsh temperatures, enriches the soil, and improves the appearance of the garden. 11530 Vigoro 12' x 12' Sun Shade Sail UV Block Fabric Canopy in Beige Sand Square for Patio Garden. What is the best grass seed for full sun? Mulch is used to create a barrier between the soil underneath and the environment. So, did you find this article useful? Your email address will not be published. Texas Native is her go-to choice after testing out multiple options as she moved around the United States. Keep in mind that this topsoil is designed to be used in-ground rather than in containers or raised beds. Mulch color guide: Brown vs. black vs. red mulch. $535.00. If you pick up a few bags when the price is low, you dont have to use it straight away. Blackstone 1554 Vs. 1866 Griddle: Which One Is Better For You? Your lawn is an extension of your home, and we want to help you enjoy it. Let me know in the comment section. The top mulch time is mid Spring after the soil has started to warm and before the weeds start rearing their little buds. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. On top of that, they are mostly available in Home Depot. ft. I just kept the seed wet and it. We operate independently from our advertising team. Applying Vigoro mulch is also easy as Scotts. Type: Inorganic | Use: Temperature regulation, weed prevention, moisture conservation. Helps prevents weeds. Nov 8, 2022. On the other hand, a 2 Cu Ft Vigoro Bagged Brown mulch will cost you $3.33. It smells good and feels good to chew. If you visit the Vigoro website, youll be redirected to the Home Depot website. Mulch is any material that is used to cover the soil, either with a particular purpose or just to beautify the space. You might be tempted to simply add a new layer of mulch to the top of a perennial bed if youre mulching it, but this can cause rot, nutrient starvation, and plant death. But the larger and sharper pieces of mulch can damage your dog's throat and can cause bowel or stomach obstructions, leading to an emergency trip to the veterinarian.J. Dyed mulches, whether black or brown, are more appealing than natural mulches as a result. Although its more expensive, its made with better, more natural materials that have zero chance of damaging the soil. If your lawn is looking thin and worn, overseeding can help you get back to the thick, lush, green lawn you've always wanted. Color guaranteed to last 12 months. with a 12-month . Black mulch is dyed with carbon. But if you ask my suggestion, I think you should go with Scotts mulch to be on the safe side. Using mulch in a yard is easy to do, inexpensive and helps protect your plants. Your best bet is bark mulch, such as Scotts Nature Scapes Color Enhanced Mulch or Scotts Nature Scapes Triple Shred Mulch. Scotts Mulch is far more readily available than Vigoro products. Made from 100% recycled rubber, this eco-friendly option to wood mulch. Besides, you can also buy them in various online stores, including Amazon, Lowes, Home Depot, etc. It is made from higher-quality materials and the ColorGuard Technology means that it stays looking good for longer. Now that you know the differences between Scotts vs. Vigoro mulch, its easier for you to pick the right mulch. In this case Vigoro Rubber Mulch (reddish or brown your choice). What is the process of dyeing mulch? Natural mulches include tree bark, sawdust, wood chips, chopped autumn leaves, pine straw, oyster shells, cocoa bean shells, crushed and natural stone, and even newsprint paper. Example: Hip-hop and rap music are examples of urban, Is Origins PC available in the United Kingdom? However, this is a better quality product with a higher price tag. productslearn more about document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 FAQS Clear - All Rights Reserved ", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "Mulch with large shreds or chunks of wood might attract dogs as much as that stick you throw for them. But, since black attracts and retains sunlight and heat, this mulch cannot be used in areas with delicate plants. Texas Organic Soil, 2617 North Northeast 323 Loop, Tyler, TX, 75702, United States (903) 360-4573 INFO@TEXASORGANICSOIL.COM These fabrics offer great stability and prevent stones from sinking into soil. This budget-friendly option comes in a bag that contains two cubic feet of mulch, which is approximately 56.6. liters, and you can choose from three different colors (black, brown, or red). These issues can be resolved on their own, but its always a good idea to speak with your veterinarian if your pet ingested more mulch than you think. You will have to spend around $52 for a 2 Cu Ft Scotts Nature Scapes mulch. In this case, you should remove and dispose of the mulch safely. It helps the trees, flowers, and vegetables grow in perfect condition. Pros: Nontoxic, low maintenance, can be used on sloped surfaces, adds some color to your garden, How to use: Hydrate with four gallons of water and each block will expand to two cubic feet of mulching medium. It does not harm the soil and the crops as well. To cover up inconsistencies in the wood and give it a uniform color, this ground-up trash wood is then sprayed with a tint. You may still get some weeds that pop through, but these can be easily removed by hand when needed. Wood Premium Brown Mulch, 56.6 L (1406) $4 And. This holds it together and creates a mat over the freshly planted seeds. Provider of fertilizer based products in Chicago, Illinois. in addition, the brown mulch will control erosion and moderate weed growth. Here is a quick guide to mulch decomposition rates by type: Bark Mulch: 7-10 years. Grade A organic mulch, died black, brown and red mulch, certified playground mulch, pure uncut topsoil and wood chips. The composition of most black mulch is harmless to the vegetable plant. For mulching directly around plants, compost, shredded leaves, grass clippings or straw are all great options.F, Mulch with large shreds or chunks of wood might attract dogs as much as that stick you throw for them. Buying Mulch in Bulk . Many other differences make these mulches different from each other. Furthermore, the dark mulch will reduce erosion and weed growth. Other dyes for mulch are vegetable-based and therefore organic.M, Mulch colorants nowadays are made using either iron oxide (for red) or carbon black (for black), both deemed safe for use around pets and humans. This may not be the most beautiful mulch you've ever seen, but it's extremely helpful in the garden. It comes with Scotts Color Advantage feature and retains color for a year. We researched these four garden mulches and added some testing notes to provide options for all of your gardening needs. That said, Vigoros rubber mulch lasts the longest. This can be a pro or a con, depending on your reason for laying mulch. 11027 Everbilt Gas Water Heater Installation Kit. How to use: First, spray the soil and lay down the seed. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. It can also prevent weeds and control the temperature, so plants are not burned in hot weather. Vigoro 2 cu. How To Tell If Your Dog Has Carbon Monoxide Poisoning? As your grass grows, the pellets break down naturally, leaving you with nothing but a lush lawn. Dyed mulches (black, red, green, and other colors) are usually made up of recycled wood waste (with a few exceptions). - Control & Prevention. ", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "Carbon, used to produce black mulch, is an element often used for ink or paint. How to Use . He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Available in 2CF bags. How to Market Your Business with Webinars? The color wont fade and actually gets richer with exposure to the elements. One of the most important factors when adding anything directly to your lawn is to choose a product that will improve the soil as well as protect it. Mulch can be dyed to be brown or black in color, though mulch also can be naturally brown in color. In fact, iron oxide can be found in many cosmetic products while carbon black is virtually used in every consumer product that is made of rubber.M"}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Is black mulch toxic? Compare 1 Cubic Yard Brown Mulch - Bulk Bag Delivered . A good-quality black wood mulch is made up of hardwood chips that are dyed black, usually with a carbon black dye. Grass clippings are also popular, but they lack aesthetic appeal. It still does the job you need it to do, and you get good coverage, so you wont have to spend a fortune. Not only are they safe to use around food producing plants, they also enrich your garden soil quickly. Material is essentially non-flammable. This should not surprise us since we associate carbon with charcoal. It tends to have fewer potential seeds than similar options, like straw or hay. This dyed wood mulch does not break down to enrich the soil as good mulch should. Pros: eliminates weeding, made of recycled rubber, no strong color, creates a precise look for your garden, How to use: Hold it up at the intersection of the grass and soil, then cut to your liking.