Some mulching companies charge by the cubic yard and others charge by the hour. It generally takes 1 person 45 minutes to install 1 cubic yard of mulch. Hourly rates tend to be $40 – $50 per hour per person. So if, for example, you need 8 cubic yards of mulch spread, then it’ll probably cost between $240 – $300. Click here to learn more about mulch pricing.

Having mulch in your garden beds helps to regulate the temperature of soil and retains ample moisture to create a damp environment for plants to grow. When it’s hot outside, the moisture in the soil begins to evaporate which dries out your garden bed. Rock doesn’t create this atmosphere but mulch does. Mulch keeps your plants insulated which protects them from harsh weather conditions.

Homeowners might worry that having mulch directly contacting their house foundation can lead to the presence of termites. It’s true that mulch offers an environment that termites prefer because it retains moisture and insulates them from extreme temperatures. However, mulch is not a good source of nutrients for termites so it’s unlikely to attract them.

Yes, mulch creates a natural barrier for weeds. A good 2 inch layer of mulch will suppress the weed seedling upon germination which will make it much harder for weeds to infest your garden bed. Why? Because just like plants, weeds need sunlight to germinate and grow. A thick layer of mulch will successfully block the sunlight and eradicate the invasive weeds before they even get a chance to start taking over your garden beds.

The standard depth of mulch for garden beds is between 2-3 inches. If your much is too thick (4+ inches), then it’ll keep water from getting to the soil and your plant life will be threatened by dehydration. If your layer of mulch is too thin (1 inch or less), then it’ll be easier for weeds to grow through and the ground may get exposed in some areas where the mulch gets moved.

If you need less than 1 cubic yard of mulch installed, which is 13-14 bags, then bagged mulch is fine. You can pick it up from a local store and put the bags in the trunk of your personal vehicle. However, if you need more mulch than that, you should go with bulk mulch that is delivered loose on your driveway. Why? Because it’s less expensive, it’s easier to install, the entire batch looks the same (no color variance), and there’s no plastic packaging so it’s more eco-friendly.

The three most common colors are black, brown and red. Some people like mulch to blend in with their plants while others prefer a contrasting look. It’s up to you to decide your proclivity. But in general use brown mulch for red brick homes, black mulch for grey homes and red mulch for warm toned houses. Bear in mind that red dyed mulch is the most expensive color.

Old mulch should be replaced with new mulch whenever you notice hints of discoloration or decomposition. This is generally every 4-6 years. You should replenish the preexisting mulch with another 1 inch layer on top every 1-2 years. This fresh topdressing of mulch should be the same color as the current mulch and will make the color pop more and give fresh nutrients to the plants.

You should ask for a ballpark estimate on the total cost for your mulching project. Be ready to share about how much you need and the color of mulch you prefer. Ask the mulch spreading company how long they’ve been doing it and what their process is like. Google their company name to make sure they have good reviews online. Click here to get a free mulching quote from His Workmanship.