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How tall your mulch should be around your tree depends on the type of mulch you use, but aim for 3 to 4 inches as a rule of thumb. You’ll want to avoid simply piling it up in hopes of offering additional benefits to your tree. Volcano mulching is the infamous term for piling way too much mulch against the stem of your tree. This could actually kill your tree or severely harm it, as your tree trunk needs space to breathe without too much moisture.

Hydroseeding is a great option for sloped yards, as sod might not root as well. Hydroseeding also traditionally creates sprouts faster than normal seeding—up to a full week faster. Additionally, you can customize your slurry mix with hydroseed, allowing you to create a mixture that will work specifically for your yard’s conditions. 

It’s important to remember that hydroseeded lawns require a lot of water during the first few weeks of installation, which can be time-consuming and costly. Additionally, the installation window tends to be shorter than that of sod and traditional grass. 

The number of bags of topsoil you need depends on the depth you’re filling. The average topsoil is sold in a roughly forty-pound bag, covering 12 square feet at a one-inch depth. Since topsoil is by nature the uppermost layer of soil, you can bet on only needing to fill about 4 to 8 inches of soil depth with it.

A base layer is typically required when installing artificial grass, and the specific materials depend on the surface where the turf is being placed.

If you are installing artificial grass over soil, you should lay down a sub-base and a weed barrier.

• Weed Barrier: A fabric weed barrier, weed membrane, or geo-textile paper is essential to prevent weeds from growing through and damaging the turf.

• Sub-base: This layer provides drainage, support, and prevents the turf from sinking. Common materials include a mixture of gravel and sand, such as crushed miscellaneous base (CMB), decomposed granite, decomposed limestone, or a specifically mixed road base. Other options include silica sand and granite sand.

If you are placing turf over a hard surface like concrete, you can often skip the sub-base and use a padded underlayment or shock-absorbent material like astro-cushion for comfort and safety.

If you are unsure which materials are best for your specific project, it's a good idea to consult with an artificial turf installer.