Get matched with top mulch and topsoil pros in Bisbee, AZ

Wood from black walnut, magnolia, eucalyptus, red maple, and invasive species like tree of heaven are not recommended for mulching. These trees release allelochemicals that can suppress plant growth. Some homeowners, however, use wood from these trees for mulching if it is less potent due to age or concentration, or if the plants are not as sensitive to them.

Measure the area needing coverage and consult with suppliers on average depth requirements for each material. Calculations often use cubic yards for accuracy and practicality.

Topsoil should go down first. If the topsoil is next to your house, make sure the grade slopes away from the house to keep water from pooling against your foundation and possibly leaking into your basement or crawl space. Don’t cover your decorative landscape mulch with topsoil as that defeats the purpose of laying down the mulch. If you’re trying to create a certain soil composition to improve plant growth, you’ll likely want compost mixed into the topsoil instead of mulch. Over time, any decorative wood mulch will simply decompose under the topsoil.

The best type of rock for landscaping depends on your needs. If you want to build an affordable driveway, consider gravel. If you want an aesthetically pleasing patio, you can’t go wrong with flagstone. If you’re building a water feature, consider river rock as the base. Start by figuring out your landscaping project, then choose the best rock for that project.