Lawn mulching professionals near you

Mulching is primarily done to improve soil health and protect your plants. A layer of mulch can help the soil retain moisture, suppress weed growth, and regulate its temperature. As organic mulch breaks down, it also enriches the soil with essential nutrients, which supports healthier plant growth.

Applying mulch too thickly can sometimes create problems. A deep layer may trap excess moisture around plants, which can lead to root rot. Piling mulch directly against your home’s foundation can also provide shelter for pests like termites, rodents, and earwigs.

Common signs that indicate it’s time to mulch your garden include:

• Weeds are popping up everywhere. A healthy layer of mulch is one of the best ways to keep weeds from sprouting.

• The soil dries out too fast. If you’re constantly watering, mulch can help the soil hold onto moisture for longer.

• You can see bare soil. An exposed soil surface is prone to erosion from wind and rain and can get too hot for plant roots.

• Your plants seem stressed. Mulch helps regulate soil temperature, protecting roots from extreme heat or cold.

• The existing mulch is thin or decomposed. Mulch breaks down over time, so you’ll need to top it off once or twice a year to maintain a two- to three-inch layer.

It’s recommended that you reapply mulch at least once a year. Over time, organic mulch breaks down and becomes less effective at its job. A fresh layer helps your garden beds continue to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature throughout the seasons.

Typically, it will take a few hours to a full day for a professional to complete mulching. There are a few factors that may impact how long it takes. For example:

• Size of the area: The larger the garden beds that need mulching, the more time the project will require.

• Condition of the beds: If your garden beds need extensive weeding or clearing before the mulch is laid, this will add time to the job.

• Type of mulch: Some materials, like bark chips, are faster to spread than others that require more careful placement.

• Accessibility: Pros may need more time to work around obstacles or in hard-to-reach parts of your yard.

• Mulch depth: Applying a thicker, three-inch layer of mulch will take longer than a simple one-inch top-off.

Remember: The timeline for your project will vary depending on many factors. Always ask your pro to provide an estimate.

Before hiring a professional for mulching services, be sure to ask your pro these questions:

• What type of mulch do you recommend for my garden and climate, and why?

• Are you licensed and insured to perform this work?

• How do you prepare the area before applying the mulch, such as weeding or edging?

• How do you determine the correct depth and amount of mulch for my needs?

• Does your quote include the cost of materials, delivery, labor, and cleanup?

• What is your availability, and how long will the project take to complete?

• Do you guarantee your work?

There are several factors that might impact the cost of this project, including:

• Yard size. The total square footage of the garden beds you need to cover is a primary cost driver. Larger areas require more mulch and more time to spread.

• Type of mulch. The material you choose can change the price. Standard wood chips or bark are often less expensive than premium options like colored mulch, cedar, or rubber mulch.

• Site preparation. If your garden beds need a lot of prep work—like extensive weeding, removing old mulch, or creating new edges—you can expect the labor costs to be higher.

• Accessibility. The ease of access to the mulching areas can play a role. If pros have to carry mulch up steep slopes or over long distances, it may add to the labor time.

• Mulch depth. The recommended depth is typically two to four inches. Applying a thicker layer will use more material and can increase the overall project cost.

Your mulch typically needs regular raking to prevent it from becoming compacted, which can block water and air from reaching the soil. You’ll also want to replenish it every year or two as it decomposes and thins out. Occasionally check for and pull any weeds that manage to poke through the layer.