A mulching service can do more than deliver mulch to your home—they can also install it. The following tips can help you prepare for mulching. 

1. Remove Weed Barriers

A layer of landscaping fabric or plastic has no place beneath a layer of organic mulch. One of the many benefits of mulch is that as it decomposes, it recharges the soil. This can't happen if the mulch isn't in contact with the soil. So don't bother installing any new weed barriers before mulching and remove any existing ones, if possible.

2. Clean Up Debris

You don't want the mulch spread over a bunch of lawn debris. A few fallen leaves are okay, but clean up old branches and pull large weeds before the mulching service arrives. If you are mulching in the fall, have the lawn raked before mulch application. You may also want to move smaller garden ornaments from mulched beds for ease of application, but larger ones can remain and be mulched around.

3. Consider Edging

If you have had issues with mulch traveling out of the garden beds in the past, it's likely due to insufficient edging. The ideal edging extends securely into the ground several inches, but it also protrudes 1/2 inch or more from the ground so that it is above the desired mulch level. This edging will act as a fence to keep mulch in place, and it will also prevent nearby lawn grasses from invading the mulched beds.

4. Protect Tender Plants

Ideally, mulch is applied either before planting in the spring or toward the end of the season in fall. This way there are no young, tender plants to worry about. If you must postpone mulching until after planting, then take some steps to make sure the process of blowing in and spreading the mulch doesn't harm the plants. Place small cages or cardboard barriers around the small plants. You can remove them once the mulch is in place.

5. Manage Depth

Proper mulch depth is important, and something you must consider when placing an order for mulch. Mulch must be deep enough to suppress weed growth and insulate the soil, but not so deep that it creeps up plant stems and trunks where it can cause rot issues. For most garden beds, a depth of 2 to 3 inches is sufficient. Your mulch service can provide more exact depth guidance for your climate and garden needs.

Contact a mulching service if you need more help.