Mulch

Mulch is any material spread over soil to retain moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds in your garden beds and landscaping. From organic options like wood chips and bark to decorative stone varieties, the right mulch enhances curb appeal while protecting your plants year-round. Whether you're refreshing existing beds or starting fresh, Angi connects you with local pros and guides to get the job done right.

Related to Mulch Service

Mulch Service Articles and Advice
Mizuki Hisaka  •  Apr 10, 2026
Is Dyed Mulch Safe to Use?
Are there problems with using colored mulch? Find out if and when colored mulches are bad for your garden and your health with our expert guide.
Stephanie Mickelson  •  Apr 10, 2026
The Best Times to Put Down Mulch in Your Yard and Garden
The best time to put down mulch is spring after the soil warms up. But there are other factors to consider, like wind speed and rainfall.
Dan Simms  •  Apr 10, 2026
Should You Mulch in the Fall? Everything You Need to Know for Plant Health
Wondering if you should mulch in the fall to protect your plants from the colder weather? Chances are, you probably should. Here’s why.
Dan Simms  •  Apr 10, 2026
How to Calculate How Much Mulch I Need for My Project
Looking to add curb appeal to your home and protect your garden beds by laying down mulch? Find out how many bags of mulch you need to get the job done.
Rachel Hoffman  •  Apr 10, 2026
Should I Rake Leaves or Leave Them on My Lawn?
Allowing leaves to decompose naturally can add vital nutrients back into your soil. Learn whether you should rake leaves and why.
Anna Baluch  •  Apr 10, 2026
What Organic Mulch Is and How It Compares to Regular Mulch
Organic mulch improves soil quality, holds in moisture, and helps plants thrive, but how does it work? Learn how mulch can improve your yard.
Breyden Kellam  •  Apr 10, 2026
Should I Put Down Straw When Planting Grass?
Straw is a popular mulching choice for newly planted grass. Should you put it down when planting grass? Find out the answer in this guide.
Alison Kasch  •  Apr 10, 2026
How Long Does Rubber Mulch Last?
How long does rubber mulch last? It can last over a decade, making it a long-lasting alternative to organic mulch. Learn about its lifespan and maintenance.
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Common Mulch Service Questions

Colored mulch can be bad for plants in that it robs them of nitrogen as it depletes the soil to break itself down. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to test your soil to check the nitrogen levels. If the nitrogen levels are low, use fertilizer with extra nitrogen or switch to regular mulch.

Another downside of colored mulch is if it’s heavily contaminated, it can contaminate the soil and damage your plants. To avoid this, look for the MSC certification logo on the mulch bag before purchasing.

Weeds can grow through rubber mulch, but it depends on if you removed all the weeds in your garden beforehand. Weeds already in the soil can grow even when using rubber mulch. However, that doesn’t mean that your garden will be littered with rubber and weeds, but it does mean that the occasional weed might still pop up. Another way you can increase your weed suppression is by using landscape fabric as a second layer. 

Rubber mulch doesn’t attract mice. Unlike organic mulches, which can serve as food and nesting material for mice, rubber mulch has no nutritional value or comfortable nesting spots, making it less appealing to rodents.

You should add 1 to 4 inches of mulch, depending on your garden type and needs. Keep in mind that no amount of mulch can completely prevent weeds, but a heavier coverage (closer to 4 inches) can suppress weeds enough that you are only seeing them sprout every few weeks. Finer mulch prevents weeds more effectively than large mulch, so if you’re using mulched leaves or shredded bark, 1 to 2 inches will likely suffice, while 3 to 4 inches is best for larger mulch, like bark chips or straw.

When you purchase mulch for delivery, it’s usually by the cubic yard, so you’ll want to convert your space to cubic yards to get the right amount. First, determine the square footage of the area you want to cover, and then determine how deep the bed of mulch will be—a good rule of thumb is around three inches. Multiply your square footage in feet by the depth in inches and divide by 324. You may want to add a ½ to one additional cubic yard to ensure you have enough.