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 worker. So if, for example, you need 8 cubic yards of mulch spread, then it’ll probably cost between $240 – $300. If you need 20 cubic yards of mulch installed, then you’d be looking at around $600 – $750. Read the FAQ below to learn about five variables that cause mulching to take longer than average, and thus incur higher costs than those mentioned above.

I can think of five variables that will cause your mulching project to take longer than average. First, if your yard has hilly terrain and/or any steep slopes, then the transportation of the mulch will go slower. Second, if there is a long distance from the mulch pile to its final destination, then the wheelbarrow commute will take longer. Third, if you got bags of mulch delivered instead of bulk mulch that’s loose in a pile, then loading the mulch into wheelbarrows will go slower. Fourth, if you did order loose mulch and it was delivered on the grass instead of pavement (such as a street or driveway), then it will be harder to shovel it and so more time will be needed. Fifth, if you only have spade shovels available rather than scoop shovels, then it’ll take longer since each scoop will get less mulch. How about we reverse this question and ponder what can lead to faster, more efficient mulch installation? That’s exactly what this blog explores: 7 Tips for Successful Mulch Installation.

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. For a detailed analysis on this question, read my blog 3 Reasons to Remove Rock and Install Mulch. To alleviate any suspense, I end up concluding that mulch is vastly superior to rock.

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. If you do discover termites on your property, you should know that it’s likely not because of the mulch but rather other reasons that allured termites such as wood piles, tree stumps or clogged gutters.

Yes and no. It all depends on how thick the mulch is. 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 2 inch 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. However, be warned that more than a 3 inch layer of mulch may actually increase the chances for weed growth. Why? Because the thick mulch layer will decompose over time thereby creating an environment where weeds can easily germinate. While a thick layer of mulch may not prevent unwanted growth, weed barrier may be a better solution to that particular problem. Learn more by reading our blog Laying Weed Barrier Underneath Mulch: Pros and Cons.

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. These principles apply to every type of mulch including woodchips, and they also apply to different colors of mulch such as red, black or brown.

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. This is not just my personal opinion. All other landscapers whom I’ve spoken with agree that bulk mulch is far superior than bagged mulch.

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, black mulch is the second most expensive, and brown mulch is usually the cheapest color to purchase.

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 don’t usually need to remove the pre-existing mulch when adding new mulch. The reason is because the old mulch will slowly decompose as time goes on.

I’m guessing that these FAQ will provide the average homeowner with enough information to install mulch properly. However, it’s still a chore to shop around for the right kind of mulch and then to take care of the installation too. Many people don’t have enough free time to tackle a project of this caliber. Here are four questions to ask when deciding which mulching company to hire. 1. Do they provide the mulch or just the labor? 2. Do they charge by the hour or by the cubic yard? 3. Do they install weed barrier too? 4. Do they assist with color selection? Click here to get a free mulching quote from His Workmanship.