How Should My Mulch Be Installed

So you are getting ready to add some mulch to your gardens. How much do you need? How thick should I go? Where is the cheapest place to get mulch?

Generally speaking a 3" layer of wood mulch provides the moisture retention, temperature protection, and aesthetic quality necessary. Measuring the square footage of your mulched area(s) is the first step to ensuring you don't have to make extra trips to the store. You will need approximately one cubic yard of mulch for every 100 sq.ft. of area to be covered. Using this calculation you will be able to cover the area with 3" of mulch. Now you are ready to mulch, where do you go? Where you buy the mulch will depend greatly on how much you need. Most bagged mulch comes in a three cubic foot size. With that in mind, you will need 9 bags for every cubic yard determined in the previous calculation. The cost will generally run about $35 per yard. If you need a lot of mulch and have pick'em up truck, you can go to a local landscape supply company and have them load you up for $20-$25 per yard. Most trucks hold 1-2 yards of mulch. If you need more than that, or don't have a truck, most vendors will deliver for a fee. Delivery is often the best option when you need three or more yards of mulch. The cost may be about the same, however, the hassle savings is well worth the phone call. In St. Louis you can call Ficks Supply, Wholesale Landscape Supply, Kirkwood Material Supply, and several others.

What time of year is best for mulching? I typically recommend March in the St. Louis area. This provides some protection from late season freeze events, and also allows you to enjoy your landscape earlier in the season. A nice 50 degree day is also good for this type of work. If you still have questions, shoot me an email. I am always full of advice. Hope this helps, take care. Visit Lawns and Landscapes for more information regarding our service offerings.