Get matched with top mulch and topsoil pros in Woodland Park, NE

The best soil to put around a house foundation is fill dirt, which is soil that’s specifically designed for covering large areas and filling in holes. Don’t waste money regrading around your foundation with expensive topsoil. Use topsoil only for the last layer of soil, about 5 to 10 inches, so that when you do your foundation planting, your grass and plants will have the nutrients they need to grow.

The best time to lay mulch depends on the type of mulch and the reason for installing it: 

• Summer: Adding extra mulch helps soil retain moisture and keeps weeds at bay, allowing plants to thrive. 

• Fall: Adding mulch helps control weeds and keeps soil and roots warm during the cooler months. Aim to add a layer of mulch 2 to 4 inches deep.

• Winter: Mulch around perennial plants to help keep them insulated.

• Spring: Wait until the ground has thawed. Depending on the thickness, add between 1 and 4 inches of mulch to provide freeze and rain protection and enrich the soil.

When laying gravel, it's often a good idea to apply a base layer, such as sand or crushed concrete. You may also want to layer a weed-blocking membrane on top of the base layer to prevent weeds and grass from sprouting up in your gravel driveway. Without the appropriate base layer, the gravel you lay may sink into the soil.

That depends on the number of cubic feet in each bag. Ten 2-cubic-foot bags of mulch will cover 20 cubic feet, while 10 3-cubic-foot bags of mulch will cover 30 cubic feet. Learning how to DIY mulch can save you money and help you repurpose natural items such as wood chips, pine needles, and leaves.