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Mulching any time of year can attract termites, so there’s no added risk in the fall. The important thing to remember is that termites are attracted to rotting wood, so you need to lay a thin enough layer that won’t trap too much moisture and lead to rotting. A layer between 1 and 4 inches thick should provide all the benefits you’re looking for without attracting termites.

The best time to lay mulch depends on the type of mulch and the reason for installing it: 

• Summer: Adding extra mulch helps soil retain moisture and keeps weeds at bay, allowing plants to thrive. 

• Fall: Adding mulch helps control weeds and keeps soil and roots warm during the cooler months. Aim to add a layer of mulch 2 to 4 inches deep.

• Winter: Mulch around perennial plants to help keep them insulated.

• Spring: Wait until the ground has thawed. Depending on the thickness, add between 1 and 4 inches of mulch to provide freeze and rain protection and enrich the soil.

Most experts recommend a quarter-inch layer of compost for best results, and you will need about .77 cubic yards of material per 1,000 square feet. To measure how much compost to use, take the square footage of your yard and multiply it by .77, then divide that number by 1,000.

The time that it takes to fill in a pool with dirt varies based on the size of the pool and the equipment you have available. Using heavy equipment, like an excavator rather than a shovel, will significantly cut down on the time it takes to complete the project. With the right equipment, it may only take a day or two. However, after the initial filling, the dirt will continue to settle over the following weeks and months. You may need to add more dirt to make the empty area level with the rest of the yard.