When it comes to landscaping, hardscaping, and yard maintenance, mulch is one of the most valuable materials you can use. Mulch stops lawn erosion, kills weeds, and helps your soil retain proper moisture levels to promote consistent plant growth. However, if you’ve never worked with mulch before, you might be overwhelmed by your options as well as how to lay it down in your yard correctly. Armed with a bit of insight from a gardening expert in your area, you can keep your flora healthy and vibrant all season.

3 Mulch Tips Every Beginner Should Know

1. Choose the Right Type 

Any reputable landscaping store will stock numerous types of mulch. It’s important to remember that not every type will be suited to your lawn, so you’ll need to do your due diligence in discovering which one will work best for your needs. In most cases, an organic material from natural wood or bark will be optimal because it will retain the most moisture and protect against weed growth. Some materials, however, contain cocoa hulls, which can be toxic to pets; so, if you have furry friends, talk to your landscaping experts about which is the safest and most effective choice. 

2. Purchase Enough for Your Yard

Generally, mulch is sold by the cubic yard. Each cubic yard of mulch will cover about 100 square feet of grass in your space. To figure out how much you need to buy, measure the area of your yard and divide the number by 100. This will calculate the amount of mulch you need in cubic yards so that you can relay the information to a gardening expert.  

3. Learn to Lay Mulch Correctly 

Once you’re sure that you have the right type and amount of mulch, it’s time to learn the correct way to apply it to your yard. Create a layer that is about three inches deep, leveling it out around shrubs and bushes to keep pests away. Your timing is equally important; and, while you can technically lay mulch down during any season, it’s best to do the job during the fall or winter or wait until the ground freezes through so that the frost won’t saturate the material. 

Garden enthusiasts in Scottsville, NY, know that to find the best quality landscaping services, there is nowhere else to look but Evergreen Landscape Management. Since 1995 they’ve offered everything from lawn mowing and tree removal to concrete installation and patio design. No matter what the vision for your yard, you can trust that they’ll make every effort to ensure results you love at a price you’re comfortable with. Learn more about mulch online or reach out at (585) 889-9300.