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While you don’t need to put anything down before mulch, you can apply a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weed growth. As long as you remove weeds before you spread mulch, you should be in the clear. But a herbicide is something that you can put down before mulch as an extra layer of protection.

According to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, there are over 10,000 kinds of mushrooms, and some are harmful to both humans and animals. However, not all mushrooms are harmful—some feed on thatch and wood, which provides nutrients for grass and plants. 

But unless you’re a mushroom expert (mycologist), it can be hard to tell poisonous mushrooms from non-poisonous. So if you have kids or pets (or both), removing them is the safest route to take.

Always remove leaves from hardscapes and other lawn features. Leaves and other yard debris can become slippery and dangerous, and fallen leaves can discolor and stain materials like stone, brick, and concrete. Use a rake, brush, or leaf blower to remove leaves from hardscapes and prevent staining.

It typically takes six to 12 months for leaves to decompose entirely. The process involves the mulch composting into your lawn to deliver nutrients that facilitate grass growth. The recommended process is to spread a thick layer of leaf mulch over your garden and let it marinate for a few seasons for best long-term results.