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Applying Mulch

Applying mulch around trees, shrubs and other plants in your yard keeps the soil cool and moist and helps plants grow. Mulches also help control weeds by denying light to their seeds. They reduce the speed of water evaporation, simultaneously insulating plants from drastic temperature changes. Mulches can be great for providing a tidy, uniform look to your landscaping.

Types of mulch
Mulch comes in a variety of forms, textures and colors from stone (rocks or pebbles) to wood chips and barks. Wood mulches tend to be better for water retention and weed control than stone. Briggs carries a large selection of wood mulches, including cedar, hemlock, pine and red cedar as well as a multitude of stone mulches.

Tips for applying mulch
Mulches can be applied 1-4 inches deep, but 2 inches minimum is recommended throughout the garden. Apply Mulch evenly while levelling it with a rake (or your hands) without packing it down. It’s highly recommended not to cover the trunk or stems of a plant, which can restrict overall growth and can cause death. After application, water thoroughly.

How much mulch will you need?
Mulches are sold in bags of 2 cubic feet, and in bulk by the cubic yard. 13.5 bags = 1 cubic yard.

Yard Coverage
1 bag (2 cu. ft.)
2” depth  –  12 sq. ft.
3” depth  –  8 sq. ft.
4” depth  –  6 sq. ft.

Bulk (1 cu. yd.)
2” depth  –  162 sq. ft.
3” depth  –  108 sq. ft.
4” depth  –  81 sq. ft.