Unless you have a limitless budget, than maintaining a beautiful landscape and keeping costs down at the same time is always a priority. One simple yet highly effective solution that often gets overlooked is mulch. Applying mulch in planter beds is one of the best investments you can make for your property’s curb appeal, plant health, and long-term maintenance savings. Whether you’re a property manager, owner, or landscaper, understanding the benefits of mulch and the best methods for delivery and installation is critical.
The Benefits of Mulch
Mulch isn’t just about aesthetics—though it does instantly improve the appearance of planter beds by giving them a clean, uniform look. It offers a wide range of practical benefits, including:
- Moisture Retention – Mulch significantly reduces water evaporation, helping soil retain moisture and reducing the need for frequent irrigation.
- Weed Suppression – A layer of mulch (about 3 inches thick) helps prevent weeds, reducing labor costs for weeding and chemical weed control.
- Soil Temperature Regulation – Mulch acts as insulation, keeping soil cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, which protects the roots of the plants from burning or freezing which promotes healthier plant growth.
- Erosion Control – It helps prevent soil erosion by slowing down and spreading out the water flow.
- Soil Health Improvement – Organic mulches break down over time, adding nutrients to the soil and improving soil structure.
- Enhanced Curb Appeal – A well-mulched landscape looks professional and well-maintained, which can improve property value and curb appeal.
Best Methods for Delivering and Spreading Mulch
Mulch delivery and installation equipment will require a substantial investment in equipment if they haven’t already invested in these tools for other purposes in their business However, if they are planning to deliver mulch efficiently and provide this service at a cost-effective value for their customer I highly recommend that they do so.
Bulk Mulch Delivery
Bulk mulch delivery is always the most efficient and economical choice. We deliver 30 yards at a time and do not recommend investing in equipment that carries less than that at a once since it will require more drive time back and forth to the mulch supplier. Even if you are servicing, hiring for, or own a smaller property I don’t recommend using or hiring a company that carries smaller quantities. Drive time increases the costs to provide this service by a large margin no matter how you slice it. If your landscaper is going back and forth multiple times in order to complete your job, you can be sure that those costs are being passed on to you. If you only have a small area to mulch, like 5 or 10 yards, don’t you think it will cost more if the entire drive back and forth to the mulch supplier was billed only to your job instead of spread it out among 3,4,5, or even 6 jobs. So, landscapers do yourself, your current, and future customers a favor and invest in or sub contract to someone with the right equipment to provide this service efficiently.
Spreading Mulch Efficiently
Once mulch is delivered, proper spreading is key to maximizing its benefits. Best practices include:
- Edges: Before spreading the mulch be sure that the dirt level at the edges of the area to be mulched adjacent to walkways, driveways, curb lines, etc. are at least 2-3 inches lower than the concrete. This might require some excavation. This is important to avoid mulch spilling out onto these areas.
- Proper Depth: Apply mulch at a depth of 2–4 inches. Too thin, and it won’t suppress weeds or retain moisture effectively. Too thick, and it may suffocate plant roots.
- Using the Right Equipment: I recommend using a compact loader for most properties, their is some other equipment such as mulch buggies and the mulch mate attachment for stand on lawn mowers. For areas such as sloped roadsides and larger areas that are hard to reach, a blower truck may be the most efficient option.
Hiring a Professional for Mulch Installation
If you don’t have the time, labor, or equipment to spread mulch yourself, hiring a professional landscaping service is the best way to ensure the job is done quickly and efficiently. A professional team can:
- Handle bulk deliveries
- Spread mulch evenly and at the proper depth
- Ensure minimal disruption to tenants and property operations for commercial sites
The Bottom Line
Mulch is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to improve the appearance and health of your landscape. Whether you choose to handle the job yourself or hire a professional service, investing in mulch will pay off in reduced maintenance, lower water costs, and enhanced curb appeal.