Get matched with top landscapers in Porter, ME

There are two main times of year to apply mulch: mid to late spring and late fall. Spreading mulch in mid to late spring helps protect new seedlings as the soil warms up. It's best to wait until temperatures are steady, as mulching too early in the spring can slow down the soil's warming process and hinder plant growth. Fall mulching is also beneficial, as it insulates the soil and helps regulate its temperature when the first frosts arrive.

Yes, it is possible to add too little mulch. Anything less than 1 inch will likely result in too little coverage around your plants, allowing weeds to grow through and minimizing the positive effects that a deeper bed of mulch would have, like maintaining proper soil moisture and insulating the ground.

The average cost for landscaping is around $3,500, but prices can range from as low as $200 for simple DIY projects to $14,000 or more for extensive work. Several factors influence the final price, including your geographic location, yard size, project scope, chosen materials, site preparation, and the type of landscaping involved. Professional landscaper labor costs typically range from $50 to $100 per hour.

For a smaller budget, you can focus on softscaping projects like adding mulch, flowers, and shrubs, which might only cost a few hundred dollars if you do the work yourself. A budget of around $5,000 could cover projects like a simple patio, new plants and tree trimming, or a water feature. More extensive hardscaping projects, such as pergolas, patios, and walkways, can push the budget to $14,000 or more. For example, a flower bed installation averages between $800 and $3,000, while landscape lighting installation can cost from $2,000 to $6,000.

There are many factors to consider when building an in-ground concrete pool. This includes the pool’s primary purpose (relaxation or exercise) if you live in a warm or cold climate (how often it’ll be used), and if you have the budget for chemical treatments and pool maintenance. In-ground pools are often more costly than aboveground pools, but they’re considered more luxurious and hold more value.