Get matched with top mulch and topsoil pros in Roswell, NM

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.

Mulch costs anywhere from $30 to $150 per cubic yard, depending on several factors. On the lower end, common types like red and black mulch cost about $35 to $40 per cubic yard and are often made from recycled wood. More premium options like cedar, cypress, and rubber mulch can cost between $100 and $120 per cubic yard. The total cost is also influenced by delivery, which can be around $75 per cubic yard, though many companies provide a free estimate. It is generally cheaper to buy mulch in bulk and have it delivered, but buying it in bags may be more cost-effective for smaller areas. Other factors like the quantity you need, time of year, your geographical location, and professional installation will also affect the final price. Before getting quotes, it's a good idea to calculate how much mulch you need. A professional can help you determine the most suitable type for your landscaping needs.

Yes, but lightweight furniture may be unstable due to the loose, shifting nature of pea gravel. Heavier furniture with wide legs or a sturdy base works best since it distributes weight more evenly and prevents sinking. To improve stability, you can compact the gravel more in seating areas or place furniture on top of a stabilizing mat or paver stones.

The best mulches for trees are wood chips, bark nuggets, or pine straw. Depending on your goals, you may want to avoid using plastic, stone, rubber, or wet grass clippings. Plastic mulch prevents water from reaching the mulched areas of your tree, stones don’t offer any nutritional benefits to the soil, rubber can release byproducts into the soil when it decomposes, and wet grass clippings can lead to rot. 

Plastic may prove beneficial in cold climates in the winter, but wood chips are the ideal option for most environments.