Get matched with top mulch and topsoil pros in Osburn, ID

Mulch is made from natural materials, which will break down and add nutrients to your soil for better plant and soil health, so removing old mulch is unnecessary before putting down new mulch. However, if you live in a particularly moist area, it’s possible that the old mulch will harbor fungus or mold, which can hurt plant health. If you notice these issues, you might want to consider removing the old mulch first. Otherwise, save time and money by placing new mulch right over the old mulch.

Pea gravel consists of many small, rounded stones that, unsurprisingly, kind of resemble peas. They range in size from 1/8 to 3/8 of an inch. Higher-end products might be a little more uniform and have fewer jagged rocks in the mix.

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.

The cost of 200 square feet of pea gravel depends on how deep your installation will be. The pea gravel material alone costs between $15 and $75 per cubic yard. You'll need just under two yards to cover 200 square feet to a depth of three inches, for a total cost of between $30 and $150.