What is mulch, and why is it beneficial?
With the summer season approaching, homeowners often turn their attention to lawn appearances
and curb appeal. Many limit a nice yard to the purchase of flowers and raking up leaves, but soil
care is just as vital—and it starts with mulch. Mulch is a protective covering material that helps
retain moisture in exposed soil and promotes plant growth even with irregular weather patterns.
Mulch is not only beneficial to the overall appearance of your lawn, but it also:
● suppresses or blocks weeds
● Insulates soil in order to maintain a standard temperature
● prevents frost heaving in winter
● Minimizes erosion
● Reduces landfill waste
● Serves as a protective layer from people and pets
● Can be used as a habitat for beneficial organisms
● If an organic mulch is used, it will decompose over time, further enriching the soil.
While mulching offers numerous benefits beyond visual appeal, it’s important to consider
variables such as the type, quantity, and cost before getting started.
Cost, Type, and Installation:
Now that you know the benefits, it’s important to familiarize yourself with cost, installation, and
type. The price of mulch varies depending on the type you choose and how much you need.
According to Lawn Love—if installed by yourself—“A cubic yard of mulch costs $30 to $110
and can cover 162 square feet at 2 inches deep or approximately 100 square feet at 3 inches
deep.” On average, landscapers charge between $200 and $300 for supplies, delivery, and
installation, or about $85 per cubic yard. Experts recommend that a layer of mulch should ideally
be 2-4 inches; however, coarser materials such as bark or wood may require a deeper layer to be
effective. The more you know about your specific project, the better you can gauge how much mulch is needed and its approximate price. If you’re still unsure how to measure the area you
want to cover, check out Home Depot’s mulch calculator for help!
When it comes to choosing the right mulch, type matters. There are two categories of mulch:
organic and inorganic.
Organic mulch is made from materials that will decompose over time. They include wood
chips, leaves, compost, newspaper, and other plant materials and are best at keeping the soil
moist and moderating its temperature in hot and cold weather, reports Martha Stewart’s Blog.
The downside? Because they decompose over time, they typically need to be replaced every 1-2
years, while inorganic materials can last between 3 to 5 years. With that being said, organic
mulch tends to be less expensive!
Inorganic mulches such as rock, gravel, pulverized rubber, and other human-made materials do
not decompose and are better at weed control. Unfortunately, heavier inorganic mulches like
plastic sheeting prevent air and water flow, “killing the soil’s microbiome—the community of
living organisms that provide nutrients to plants and trees.”
In short, organic mulches are better for the soil and temperature control, whereas inorganic
mulch lasts longer and has more aesthetic appeal. Both options have their pros and cons; it’s just
a matter of personal preference!
As for installation, it’s actually quite easy! Home Depot offers a helpful step-by-step guide to get
you started. First, make sure you create a barrier between your lawn and the area you want to
transform—this will help prevent the mulch from spilling onto your grass. Once your area is
secure, level it with your hand or a rake before adding the mulch. Place small mounds of your
desired mulch onto your workspace, making sure to keep it the same depth (2-4 inch) all around.
To protect your plants, leave an inch between them and your mulch to allow for adequate air and
water circulation in their root system. Once everything is in place, you’re pretty much finished;
just remember to lightly water within the first 48 hours to help it settle. Remember if your
purchased mulch is dyed for aesthetic purposes, try not to overwater it right after being laid to
avoid staining.
When Is The Best Time To Mulch?
Lawn Love insists, “The ideal time to apply mulch is typically in the spring, after the soil has warmed up and dried out enough to work with, but before the heat of summer sets in.” With that
being said, you can mulch in pretty much any season depending on your lawn goals. Lighter
mulches are better for warmer months, while heavier mulches should be used when the weather
drops, as it can act as an insulator. Now that you understand all there is to know about mulch,
there’s no better time to start transforming your yard!
Ready to get a free quote for mulch installation? Don’t hesitate to reach out now!
