Get matched with top mulch and topsoil pros in Jacob Lake, AZ

The best mulches for trees are wood chips, bark nuggets, or pine straw. Depending on your goals, you may want to avoid using plastic, stone, rubber, or wet grass clippings. Plastic mulch prevents water from reaching the mulched areas of your tree, stones don’t offer any nutritional benefits to the soil, rubber can release byproducts into the soil when it decomposes, and wet grass clippings can lead to rot. 

Plastic may prove beneficial in cold climates in the winter, but wood chips are the ideal option for most environments.

The least costly way to keep grass from growing is also the most labor-intensive: regular weeding. Pull out grass blades as you see them pop up through the soil in areas where they’re unwanted. Another cost-effective way to keep grass from growing is by spreading a thick layer of mulch on the area as this will suffocate the grass.

Pea gravel comes in a variety of colors, including cream, white, black, gray, and brown being some of the most popular choices for homeowners. You can also find red, yellow, green, and even multicolor options for your landscaping needs. The price of pea gravel is about $350 for the typical home improvement project.

Timing is key when determining the best time to hydroseed your lawn. It’s best to hydroseed in the spring or fall due to the already wet conditions of your lawn and the more mild temperatures. 

Your local pro will also offer watering and fertilizer instructions for the months after your application. Make sure you will be available to water it consistently, especially in the first two to three weeks for best results.