We offer several types of quality mulch including hardwood, cedar, cypress, pine, and colored options (black, brown, and red). We also provide premium bark mulches and rubber mulch for playground areas. We can help you select the best type for your specific landscape needs and aesthetic preferences based on our experience with what works best in the Quad Cities climate.

Mulch installation typically costs between $65-$100 per cubic yard installed, depending on the type of mulch chosen and accessibility of your property. Factors affecting price include mulch quality, quantity needed, site preparation requirements, and whether old mulch removal is necessary. We provide detailed estimates after seeing your property so you know exactly what to expect.

Spring (April-May) is ideal for mulch installation as it helps control weeds during the growing season and retains moisture through summer. However, we install mulch year-round except during winter freezes. Fall mulching (September-October) provides excellent benefits by insulating plant roots during harsh Iowa winters. Many of our customers opt for both spring and fall applications for maximum landscape health and appearance.

We typically recommend installing mulch at a depth of 2-3 inches for optimal benefits. This depth is sufficient to suppress weeds and retain moisture while allowing proper air circulation to plant roots. Around trees, we keep mulch pulled away from the trunk to prevent rot and pest issues. Applying mulch too deeply (over 4 inches) can cause problems like root suffocation and fungal growth.

It depends on the current condition and depth of your existing mulch. If your beds already have 3-4+ inches of old, decomposed mulch, we typically recommend removing some before adding new material to prevent excessive buildup. However, if you have minimal old mulch (1-2 inches), we can often refresh by adding a new layer on top. During our estimate, we'll evaluate your current situation and make appropriate recommendations.

As a general rule, one cubic yard of mulch covers approximately 100-150 square feet at a 2-3 inch depth. During our on-site assessment, we'll measure your garden beds to calculate the precise amount needed for proper coverage. We pride ourselves on accurate estimates to ensure you're not paying for excess materials or left with insufficient coverage.

We typically do not install landscape fabric under mulch unless a customer specifically requests it. While landscape fabric can reduce weed growth initially, it often creates long-term issues by preventing mulch from breaking down and enriching the soil. It can also trap moisture in ways that are harmful to plant roots and make future planting or maintenance more difficult. In most cases, a properly maintained mulch layer is sufficient for weed suppression without the downsides of fabric. If you're interested in using landscape fabric, we’re happy to discuss it further during your consultation.

Most residential mulch installation projects take between half a day to one full day to complete, depending on the size of your property and scope of work. Larger properties or projects requiring extensive preparation may take longer. We work efficiently with our experienced crew to minimize disruption while ensuring proper installation techniques.

No, our professional installation methods protect your existing plants. Our trained crew carefully works around established plants, ensuring proper clearance around stems and trunks. We use proper techniques to avoid damaging delicate root systems or burying plants too deeply. Our goal is always to enhance your landscape's health and appearance without causing harm to your valuable plants.

For optimal appearance and weed suppression, we recommend refreshing mulch annually, typically in spring. However, the functional benefits of mulch (moisture retention, temperature regulation) can last 2-3 years. Many of our Quad Cities customers choose annual installation in high-visibility areas like front yards and less frequent application in back or side yards. Organic mulches naturally decompose, adding beneficial nutrients to your soil over time.

Yes! We specialize in proper mulching techniques for trees, including creating appropriate mulch rings that protect trunks while extending to the drip line where beneficial. For sloped areas, we use techniques to prevent mulch from washing away during heavy rains, which can be common in our Quad Cities climate. These include terracing, creating mulch pockets, or installing edging to contain the material on steeper inclines.

Absolutely! Many customers combine mulch installation with other services like bed edging, shrub trimming, and weeding for a complete landscape refresh. We also offer garden bed renovation, planting services, and ongoing maintenance programs that can be scheduled after your mulch installation. Our "one call, one company" approach means we can handle multiple landscape needs efficiently.

Beyond aesthetic improvements, mulch provides numerous practical benefits: it reduces weed growth by up to 90%, retains soil moisture reducing water needs by 25-30%, insulates soil from temperature extremes protecting plant roots, prevents soil erosion during heavy Quad Cities storms, and gradually improves soil quality as organic mulches decompose. These benefits make professional mulch installation one of the most cost-effective landscape investments.