Get matched with top mulch and topsoil pros in Riceville, IA

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.

The hydroseed mix—known as a slurry—helps grass seed take root in many ways. Water combines with the mulch, allowing the grass seed to stay moist while grounded in the soil. The extra fertilizer then provides the boost the seed needs to flourish. In just a few weeks, you'll be ready to break out the lawnmower again.

There are a few ways you can reduce the cost of mulch delivery, including the following:

• Place your order in the winter months for spring delivery

• Choose a more affordable mulch color

• Opt for a more affordable type of mulch

• Place larger orders to get a lower cost per cubic foot

• Opt to lay your own mulch to save on installation costs

• Add on other delivery or landscaping services to save on travel costs

• Prepare a single delivery site in the front of your property, and use a wheelbarrow to move smaller quantities 

When you purchase mulch for delivery, it’s usually by the cubic yard, so you’ll want to convert your space to cubic yards to get the right amount. First, determine the square footage of the area you want to cover, and then determine how deep the bed of mulch will be—a good rule of thumb is around three inches. Multiply your square footage in feet by the depth in inches and divide by 324. You may want to add a ½ to one additional cubic yard to ensure you have enough.