Apply Fresh Mulch
Few improvements deliver as much visual impact per dollar as fresh mulch. It instantly makes planting beds look clean, intentional, and well-maintained.
Quick Summary
2-4 hours
$3-6/bag, $30-50/yard
Easy
Very High
Why Fresh Mulch Matters
Visual Benefits
- • Creates uniform, polished appearance
- • Defines planting bed edges
- • Contrasts beautifully with plants
- • Hides bare soil and debris
Practical Benefits
- • Retains soil moisture (less watering)
- • Suppresses weed growth
- • Regulates soil temperature
- • Adds nutrients as it breaks down
Calculate How Much You Need
Formula: (Square footage × Depth in inches) ÷ 324 = Cubic yards needed
Example:
200 sq ft bed × 3 inches deep = 600 ÷ 324 = 1.85 cubic yards
Quick reference for 3-inch depth:
- • 100 sq ft = 1 cubic yard (about 13 bags)
- • 200 sq ft = 2 cubic yards (about 27 bags)
- • 500 sq ft = 5 cubic yards (about 65 bags)
Order 10% extra to account for settling and gaps. It's better to have a little left over.
Mulch Types Compared
Hardwood Mulch (Most Popular)
Shredded oak, maple, or mixed hardwoods. Natural brown color that weathers to gray. Lasts 1-2 years.
Best for: Most landscaping, foundation beds
Cedar Mulch
Light reddish-brown with pleasant scent. Natural insect-repelling properties. Lasts 2-3 years but costs more.
Best for: Around foundations (pest resistance)
Pine Bark
Nuggets or shredded. Dark reddish-brown. Stays in place well. Slightly acidifies soil. Lasts 2-3 years.
Best for: Slopes, acid-loving plants (azaleas, hydrangeas)
Dyed Mulch
Black, red, or brown dyed wood. Color lasts longer (6-12 months). Made from recycled wood; check quality to avoid contaminants.
Best for: Bold contrast, playgrounds (rubber version)
Bags vs. Bulk Delivery
Bagged Mulch
- +Easy to transport and store
- +Buy only what you need
- +Can carry to hard-to-reach areas
- −More expensive per unit
- −More plastic waste
Best for: Small jobs under 2 cubic yards
Bulk Delivery
- +Much cheaper per cubic yard
- +No plastic waste
- +Delivered to your driveway
- −Need wheelbarrow to distribute
- −Minimum order usually 2-3 yards
Best for: Jobs over 3 cubic yards
Application Steps
1. Prepare the Beds
- • Pull visible weeds (or spray with herbicide 2 weeks before)
- • Edge beds with a spade for crisp definition
- • Rake out any debris, leaves, or old decomposed mulch
- • Consider laying landscape fabric in empty beds (optional)
2. Distribute the Mulch
Dump or shovel mulch into small piles throughout the bed rather than one large pile. This makes spreading faster and more even.
3. Spread to 2-3 Inches
Use a rake to spread mulch evenly. Two to three inches is ideal—less won't suppress weeds effectively, and more can smother plant roots and cause rot.
Tip: Use a ruler or stick marked at 3 inches to check depth as you go.
4. Keep Mulch Away from Stems
Leave a 2-3 inch gap around plant stems and tree trunks. Mulch piled against bark causes rot, disease, and pest problems. "Mulch volcanoes" around trees are a common mistake.
5. Clean Up Edges
Sweep any scattered mulch off lawn and walkways. Use a broom to create a clean line where mulch meets grass or hardscape.
Common Mistakes
- ✕Piling mulch against tree trunks. Creates "mulch volcanoes" that cause rot and pest problems.
- ✕Applying more than 4 inches. Suffocates roots and prevents water penetration.
- ✕Not removing old mulch buildup. If existing mulch is 3+ inches, remove some before adding new.
- ✕Using dyed mulch near vegetable gardens. Dyes may contain unwanted chemicals.
- ✕Mulching before planting annuals. Add mulch after planting for easier installation.
Timing Tips
- •Best time: Mid to late spring, after soil warms but before summer heat.
- •Also good: Fall, to protect roots over winter.
- •Refresh: Top off existing mulch annually, full replacement every 2-3 years.
- •For selling: Mulch 1-2 weeks before listing photos for maximum impact.