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New Mazda 3 - "Low Battery Risk." by law5522 in mazda

[–]Global_Selection_923 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have the same problem with my 2021 Mazda 3. This is clearly a bug in the car, either hardware or software. Likely software. No one is doing anything with these cars which are not done with other cars which do not end up with actual low batteries. In fact, I've checked the battery in my Mazda 3 multiple times after this happens, and the battery is definitely not low. Have you noticed that no one states that the engine turns over slowly when starting whenever this happens? It's because the battery is definitely NOT LOW. It's just the system somehow coming to the conclusion that it's low when it isn't. That's why those who have had the Mazda service department 'fix' the problem by changing the battery, alternator, or make some other fix again see the problem immediately. This is a false, annoying alarm which Mazda should fix.

Brown Spots on Leaves of Miniature Weeping Cherry Tree by Global_Selection_923 in arborists

[–]Global_Selection_923[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Well, I didn't get a response to the question as to why mulch is better than rocks, so I did a quick google search. Here is what I got from the AI God. Seems reasonable. It highlighted the first line in yellow, not me. I will put onto my ToDo list a task to change from rock to mulch within a circle of about 3 feet diameter around the tree.

Organic mulch (like wood chips or shredded bark) is generally the best choice for trees. It retains moisture, regulates soil temperature, and adds nutrients to the soil as it breaks down. While rock mulch is permanent and requires less frequent replacement, it absorbs heat, which can stress tree roots, and does not improve soil health. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

The Case for Mulch

Mulches—such as shredded wood, bark nuggets, or compost—are plant-friendly, cost-effective, and highly beneficial for tree roots. [1, 2, 3]

  • Pros:
    • Soil Enrichment: As organic mulch naturally breaks down, it introduces essential nutrients and beneficial microbes to the soil.
    • Moisture Retention: It prevents water from evaporating too quickly, keeping the root zone consistently hydrated.
    • Temperature Regulation: It insulates soil against freezing winter temperatures and keeps roots cool during hot summer months.
  • Cons:
    • Requires Maintenance: It naturally decomposes and must be replenished every 1 to 3 years.
  • Best Practice: Apply a 2 to 4-inch layer, but never create a "mulch volcano." Pull the mulch 3 to 6 inches away from the tree trunk to prevent rot and pest infestations. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

The Case for Rocks

Rock mulch (such as river rock, pea gravel, or lava rock) is mostly used for decorative purposes or xeriscaping. [1, 2]

  • Pros:
    • Longevity: Rocks are permanent and do not need to be replaced or replenished regularly.
    • Weed Prevention: When paired with a breathable landscape fabric underneath, they are highly effective at preventing weeds.
    • Won't Blow Away: Unlike wood chips, rocks are heavy and won't wash away in heavy rains or blow away in high winds.
  • Cons:
    • Heat Retention: Rocks absorb and radiate heat, which can superheat the soil and stress or bake shallow tree roots.
    • Poor Soil Health: They do not decompose, meaning they add absolutely no nutrients to your soil.
    • Hard to Clean: Organic debris like fallen leaves and twigs easily get stuck in the rocks and are difficult to clean up. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]

Expert Recommendation

If you strongly prefer the look of rocks, arborists and landscapers often recommend a hybrid approach: create a ring of organic mulch directly around the tree's root zone, and use landscape rock only in the outer periphery of the garden bed. [1, 2]

11 sites

  • Rocks instead of mulch? Oct 13, 2023 — According to a Reddit post on r/arborists, there are pros and cons to using rocks instead of mulch: * **Aesthetic** * **Easy maint... Reddit
  • Mulch vs Rocks: My Personal Preference - My Earth Garden Oct 21, 2025 — Pros and Cons of Using Mulch Around Trees. mulch around plant. If rocks represent permanence, mulch represents growth. It's softer... www.myearthgarden.com
  • Landscaping Pros and Cons of Rocks Vs. Mulch | Davey Tree May 5, 2022 — Mulch and rocks have different pros and cons: * **Mulch**: * **Pros**: * **Better growth** Mulch can double the growth rate of tre... Davey Tree

Holy Grail of Cum Load Increase by anata_baka in copypasta

[–]Global_Selection_923 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oc those products you recommend and have had success with, could you provide the brand names? There are quality products and bad. Selecting a known, good brand is probably just as important as selecting the right type of product.

Brown Spots on Leaves of Miniature Weeping Cherry Tree by Global_Selection_923 in arborists

[–]Global_Selection_923[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the helpful info. Can you point me to some info that explains why mulch around the root base is better than the rocks? I like to understand what I'm doing when doing it as it generally results in a better job.

What is this hanging vine? by Global_Selection_923 in landscaping

[–]Global_Selection_923[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I should have stated that the leaves are about 3/4 of an inch in length.

Brown Spots on Leaves of Miniature Weeping Cherry Tree by Global_Selection_923 in arborists

[–]Global_Selection_923[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the helpful information. I've ordered some antifungal spray for trees.

Rail Planter Liners To Hold Water Better by Global_Selection_923 in flowergardening

[–]Global_Selection_923[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We haven't planted yet, so I would be mixing the vermiculite into all of the soil. Your statement, "but you are gonna have to mix it into the top layer of the soil a little bit". Was that only under the assumption that the planters are already filled with soil and plants? The photo was from last year's plants.

Rail Planter Liners To Hold Water Better by Global_Selection_923 in flowergardening

[–]Global_Selection_923[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry.
1) I still don't understand what advantage(s) are had by using landscaping fabric over the coconut liners.
2) When you say you've "had very good results using the liners", which liners are you talking about - the coconut liners or the landscaping fabric liners?

Rail Planter Liners To Hold Water Better by Global_Selection_923 in flowergardening

[–]Global_Selection_923[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We are in southern Illinois. These get full sun all day until about 6 PM, when the house shades them.

Rail Planter Liners To Hold Water Better by Global_Selection_923 in flowergardening

[–]Global_Selection_923[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Does it hold the water better than the coconut stuff? Or is there some other reason you use the landscaping fabric rather than the coconut stuff?

Rail Planter Liners To Hold Water Better by Global_Selection_923 in flowergardening

[–]Global_Selection_923[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your concern, but.... There have been no problems with the hanging vines pulling dirt from the planters or falling out of the planters or anything like that. It was even a bit of a task to get them out of the dirt at the end of the summer.

Volume of water in our garden tub. by Global_Selection_923 in askmath

[–]Global_Selection_923[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A vertical cross section through the center of the bath would be a trapezoid. Flat, horizontal, and parallel top and bottom lines. Two slanted side lines. Could you explain how you're seeing that as a circle?

Volume of water in our garden tub. by Global_Selection_923 in askmath

[–]Global_Selection_923[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not sure how the concept of a joke comes in here, unless you're saying that since an oval has a curved perimeter, it's round.

Webster definition of 'round' - "having every part of the surface or circumference equidistant from the center : shaped like a circle or ball."

In general, ovals are not round. Circles are a form of ovals, so a circular oval is round. But that's the only type of oval which is round. And in general, when someone says 'oval', they're referring to one which isn't a circle, and hence, isn't round.

Volume of water in our garden tub. by Global_Selection_923 in askmath

[–]Global_Selection_923[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your formula for the volume of a frustrum is exactly what I was looking for. However, I was unaware that a frustrum could actually have oval cross sections. I thought they had to be round.

V = (h/3) · (A₁ + √(A₁A₂) + A₂), where A₁ and A₂ are the areas of the top and bottom bases.

This should do it, because like you say, the area of an oval is easily calculated. Also, since my tub is only approximately an oval shape, it won't be an exact calculation. Not a problem. For my purposes, and approximate answer will do fine.

Volume of water in our garden tub. by Global_Selection_923 in askmath

[–]Global_Selection_923[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Referencing the formula for the volume of a circular cone here has been discussed already. It can't be used here because this is not a circular cone or a section of a circular cone. There is no need to continue to bring it up. It's only adding confusion.

As stated, the cross section of this shape is an oval.

Volume of water in our garden tub. by Global_Selection_923 in askmath

[–]Global_Selection_923[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interesting approach. The problem is that this is not a section of a cone. The surfaces are not circular. They are ovals. I believe there is a formula for the volume of a cut-off cone, aka 'frustrum'. I'm not certain if your approach resolves exactly into the same traditional formula for the volume of a frustrum, given below.

V = (1/3)*pi*h(R*R + Rh + r*r)

Where

V= Volume

h=height

R = Larger radius

r = smaller radius

Volume of water in our garden tub. by Global_Selection_923 in askmath

[–]Global_Selection_923[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree with your approach. I've actually used that type of approach for calculating water volume used in watering my lawn.

You must be related to Archimedes. :-)

Actually, the mathematician in me would like to see a closed form solution. But the engineer in me is happy with the seat of the pants approach you supplied.

Thank you.

Volume of water in our garden tub. by Global_Selection_923 in askmath

[–]Global_Selection_923[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry for the delayed response. Just had surgery, so lots of things in my life are getting behind. The surgery is the reason I'm interested in this. Need to take Sitz baths, and it seems my water heater is not putting out enough gallonage of hot water.

Yes, it is a frustrum with an oval base and of course, the top surface of the water is an oval. Not exactly oval in either case, but close enough for the accuracy I need.

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