Precision Mulch Blowing on a Busy Roadway
- Client: City of Wanneroo
- Location: Alexander Dr, Landsdale
- Budget: $100,000-$200,000
- Date: April-June 2024
- Service: Mulch Blowing – Streetscape Mulching
The Project
The City of Wanneroo required large-scale streetscape mulching along a major median strip on Alexander Drive, stretching approximately 6km from Hepburn Avenue to Gnangara Road. Delivered under a tender contract, the project involved careful planning, ground preparation, and the installation of 2,000m³ of mulch – all while keeping disruption to traffic and nearby residents to a minimum.
PMB was responsible for managing the entire process – from coordinating traffic management to overseeing preparatory earthworks and executing the mulch delivery and installation. Given the scale and high-profile nature of the project, strong project management and meticulous execution were critical.
The Challenge
Working within a live road corridor presented key challenges that needed to be addressed. They included:
Ground Preparation:
Achieving the correct mulch depth is crucial for its longevity and weed suppression. A proper ‘key-in’ against road kerbs and footpaths was essential but levelling the ground evenly along a 6km stretch added complexity. Without this, the mulch would not provide lasting coverage.
Mulch Installation:
With 2,000m³ of mulch to be installed at a consistent 75mm depth, maintaining quality while keeping up with the project’s timeline was a challenge. Day after day, the team needed to ensure there was even coverage without compromising on safety or compliance.
Our Solution
PMB drew on its industry expertise and strong partnerships to implement smart, practical solutions.
Ground Preparation Done Right:
We worked closely with forward-thinking subcontractors to introduce an innovative approach. We used rotating brooms on excavators to ‘brush’ soil and debris away while evenly distributing the existing soil throughout the garden beds. This method created the perfect base for mulch installation and allowed the work to be carried out under Mobile Traffic Management provisions, leading to significant time and cost savings.
A Well-Executed Mulch Installation Plan:
To ensure high standards and consistency across the entire project, we implemented a structured approach:
- Specialised Equipment: Our 50m³-capacity blower trucks allowed us to install 100-150m³ of mulch per day, eliminating the need for on-site stockpiling.
- On-Site Supervision: Our Supervisor conducted regular site visits to check mulch depths and ensure all WHS requirements were met.
- Teamwork and Training: Every PMB team member is trained to operate blower trucks, allowing the workload to be shared. This ensured a smooth process while maintaining high-quality results.
Through proactive planning and coordination with all stakeholders – including local government representatives, traffic management providers, earthmoving contractors, mulch suppliers, and our own delivery team – we ensured the project stayed on track, on time, and met all requirements.
The Result
The City of Wanneroo was very pleased with the outcome. The mulch was applied consistently across the entire stretch, providing complete kerb-to-kerb coverage to help suppress weeds and maintain a neat, professional streetscape. By delivering a well-structured installation, PMB helped enhance the area’s appearance while reducing ongoing maintenance needs for the council.
Precision Streetscape Mulch Blowing with PMB
At PMB, we specialise in large-scale mulching projects that require careful planning, the right equipment, and a skilled team. Whether it’s local government streetscapes, commercial developments, or complex landscape installations, we have the expertise to deliver outstanding results.
Ready to take the next step on your project? Call us on 1300 616 134 or get in touch online to learn more.
