Where to Buy Softscape Mulch: A Buyer’s Guide

Softscape mulch: A versatile and beautiful way to improve your landscape

Softscape mulch is a great way to add color, texture, and interest to your landscape. It can also help to improve the drainage of your soil, reduce erosion, and suppress weeds. But with so many different types of softscape mulch available, it can be hard to know where to start.

In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of softscape mulch, their benefits and drawbacks, and where to buy them. We’ll also provide tips on how to use softscape mulch effectively in your landscape.

So whether you’re looking for a way to improve the look of your yard or you’re simply looking for a way to make it more functional, softscape mulch is a great option.

Store	Price	Link
Home Depot	$10.00 per bag	Home Depot
Lowe’s	$12.00 per bag	Lowe’s
Ace Hardware	$14.00 per bag	Ace Hardware

Softscape mulch is a great way to improve the appearance of your landscape, add nutrients to the soil, and suppress weeds. There are many different types of softscape mulch available, each with its own unique benefits. In this article, we will discuss the different types of softscape mulch, where to buy them, and how to use them.

Types of Softscape Mulch

There are many different types of softscape mulch available, each with its own unique benefits. The most common types of softscape mulch include:

• Wood chips are made from shredded wood, and they are a popular choice for mulching around trees and shrubs. Wood chips are a good source of organic matter, and they help to improve the drainage and aeration of the soil. They also help to suppress weeds.
• Bark mulch is made from shredded bark, and it is a good choice for mulching around perennials and annuals. Bark mulch is a good source of organic matter, and it helps to retain moisture in the soil. It also helps to suppress weeds.
• Rock mulch is made from crushed rock, and it is a good choice for mulching around walkways and patios. Rock mulch is not a good source of organic matter, but it does help to improve the drainage of the soil. It also helps to suppress weeds.
• Recycled rubber mulch is made from recycled tires, and it is a good choice for mulching around children’s play areas. Recycled rubber mulch is a non-toxic, water-permeable material that is resistant to pests and diseases. It also helps to suppress weeds.
• Other types of softscape mulch include compost, straw, and shredded leaves. These materials are all good sources of organic matter, and they help to improve the drainage and aeration of the soil. They also help to suppress weeds.

Where to Buy Softscape Mulch

You can buy softscape mulch from a variety of sources, including:

• Garden centers often carry a wide variety of softscape mulches. You can find wood chips, bark mulch, rock mulch, and recycled rubber mulch at most garden centers.
• Online retailers offer a wide selection of softscape mulches, and you can often find them at lower prices than you would find at a garden center.
• Home improvement stores such as Home Depot and Lowe’s carry a limited selection of softscape mulches. You can usually find wood chips and bark mulch at these stores.
• Landscape supply companies sell a wide variety of softscape mulches, and they can often custom-blend mulches to meet your specific needs.
• Other places to buy softscape mulch include nurseries, farm supply stores, and bulk material suppliers.

How to Use Softscape Mulch

Softscape mulch can be used in a variety of ways to improve the appearance of your landscape, add nutrients to the soil, and suppress weeds. Here are some tips for using softscape mulch:

• Choose the right type of mulch for your needs. If you are mulching around trees and shrubs, wood chips are a good choice. If you are mulching around perennials and annuals, bark mulch is a good choice. If you are mulching around walkways and patios, rock mulch is a good choice.
• Apply the mulch in a 2- to 4-inch layer. The thickness of the mulch layer will depend on the type of mulch you are using. Wood chips and bark mulch should be applied in a 2- to 4-inch layer. Rock mulch should be applied in a 4- to 6-inch layer.
• Water the mulch after you apply it. This will help to settle the mulch and prevent it from blowing away.
• Reapply the mulch as needed. Mulch will eventually decompose, so you will need to reapply it as needed. The frequency of reapplication will depend on the type of mulch you are using. Wood chips and bark mulch will need to be reapplied more often than rock mulch.

Softscape mulch is a great way to improve the appearance of your landscape, add nutrients to the soil, and suppress weeds. There are many different types of softscape mulch available, each with its own unique benefits. By choosing the right type of mulch for your needs and using it correctly, you can create a beautiful and inviting landscape that will be enjoyed for years to come.

Additional Resources

• [The Spruce: How to Use Mulch](https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-use-mulch-5118899)
• [Gardening Know How: Mulch Types](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to

3. How Much Softscape Mulch Do You Need?

The amount of softscape mulch you need will depend on the size of the area you’re mulching.

To calculate the amount of softscape mulch you need, multiply the length and width of the area by the desired depth of mulch.

For example, if you’re mulching an area that is 10 feet long and 5 feet wide, and you want a 2-inch depth of mulch, you will need 100 square feet of mulch.

Here is a table that shows how much softscape mulch you need for different areas:

| Area Size (sq ft) | Depth (in) | Mulch Needed (cu ft) |
|—|—|—|
| 100 | 2 | 2.5 |
| 200 | 2 | 5 |
| 300 | 2 | 7.5 |
| 400 | 2 | 10 |
| 500 | 2 | 12.5 |
| 600 | 2 | 15 |
| 700 | 2 | 17.5 |
| 800 | 2 | 20 |
| 900 | 2 | 22.5 |
| 1000 | 2 | 25 |

Note: These are just general guidelines. The actual amount of softscape mulch you need may vary depending on the type of mulch you’re using, the condition of the ground, and the desired appearance of the mulched area.

If you’re not sure how much softscape mulch you need, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and buy a little more than you think you need. You can always store the extra mulch for later use.

4. How to Install Softscape Mulch

To install softscape mulch, you will need to:

1. Prepare the area by removing weeds and debris.
2. Spread the mulch evenly over the area.
3. Tamp the mulch down to create a solid surface.
4. Water the mulch to help it settle.

1. Prepare the Area

The first step is to prepare the area by removing weeds and debris. This will help the mulch to stay in place and prevent weeds from growing through it.

To remove weeds, you can use a weed whacker, a hoe, or a shovel. Be sure to remove all of the roots, as they will quickly regrow if they are left behind.

Once you have removed the weeds, rake the area to remove any debris. This will help the mulch to spread evenly and create a smooth surface.

2. Spread the Mulch

The next step is to spread the mulch evenly over the area. Start by placing a pile of mulch in the center of the area. Then, use a rake to spread the mulch out in all directions.

Be sure to spread the mulch evenly so that it covers the entire area. You should also make sure that the mulch is at least 2 inches thick.

3. Tamp the Mulch

Once you have spread the mulch, you will need to tamp it down to create a solid surface. This will help the mulch to stay in place and prevent it from blowing away.

To tamp the mulch, you can use a tamper, a hand roller, or a piece of plywood. Simply place the tamper or roller on the mulch and push down firmly.

Continue tamping the mulch until it is firm and level.

4. Water the Mulch

The final step is to water the mulch to help it settle. This will help the mulch to absorb water and prevent it from drying out.

To water the mulch, simply use a hose to spray it down. Be sure to water the mulch thoroughly so that it is saturated.

Installing softscape mulch is a simple process that can be completed in a few hours. By following these steps, you can create a beautiful and inviting landscape that will last for years to come.

Where can I buy softscape mulch?

There are a few different places where you can buy softscape mulch. You can find it at most garden centers, home improvement stores, and online retailers.

What are the different types of softscape mulch?

There are a variety of different types of softscape mulch available, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks. Some of the most common types of softscape mulch include:

• Wood mulch: Wood mulch is made from shredded wood, and it is one of the most popular types of softscape mulch. It is available in a variety of colors and textures, and it is a good choice for areas that need drainage.
• Bark mulch: Bark mulch is made from shredded bark, and it is another popular choice for softscape mulch. It is available in a variety of colors and textures, and it is a good choice for areas that need erosion control.
• Rock mulch: Rock mulch is made from crushed rock, and it is a good choice for areas that need drainage and erosion control. It is available in a variety of colors and sizes, and it can be used to create a variety of different looks.
• Synthetic mulch: Synthetic mulch is made from a variety of synthetic materials, and it is a good choice for areas that are prone to weed growth. It is available in a variety of colors and textures, and it is a good choice for areas that need drainage.

What are the benefits of using softscape mulch?

There are a number of benefits to using softscape mulch, including:

• It can help to improve the drainage of your soil.
• It can help to reduce erosion.
• It can help to suppress weed growth.
• It can help to improve the appearance of your landscape.
• It can help to attract wildlife.

What are the drawbacks of using softscape mulch?

There are a few potential drawbacks to using softscape mulch, including:

• It can be expensive.
• It can be difficult to install.
• It can attract pests.
• It can decompose over time, which can release nutrients into the soil.

How much does softscape mulch cost?

The cost of softscape mulch can vary depending on the type of mulch, the amount of mulch you need, and the location where you are buying it. Generally speaking, softscape mulch costs between $10 and $20 per cubic foot.

How do I install softscape mulch?

Installing softscape mulch is a relatively simple process, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

• First, you need to remove any existing vegetation from the area where you want to install the mulch.
• Next, you need to create a 2- to 3-inch layer of drainage material, such as gravel or sand.
• Then, you can spread the mulch over the drainage material.
• Finally, you need to water the mulch thoroughly to help it settle.

How often do I need to reapply softscape mulch?

The frequency with which you need to reapply softscape mulch will depend on the type of mulch and the conditions in your area. Generally speaking, you will need to reapply softscape mulch every 1 to 2 years.

Where can I find more information about softscape mulch?

There are a number of resources available online and in print that can provide you with more information about softscape mulch. Some of the most helpful resources include:

• The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP): NALP is a non-profit organization that represents the interests of landscape professionals. Their website (https://www.nala.org/) includes a wealth of information on softscape mulch, including how to choose the right type of mulch, how to install it, and how to maintain it.
• The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA): ASLA is a professional organization for landscape architects. Their website (https://www.asla.org/) includes a section on softscape mulch that provides information on the benefits of using mulch, the different types of mulch available, and how to install and maintain mulch.
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): The USDA’s website (https://www.usda.gov/) includes a section on softscape mulch that provides information on the benefits of using mulch, the different types of mulch available, and how to install and maintain mulch.

In this article, we have discussed the different types of softscape mulch, their benefits and drawbacks, and where to buy them. We hope that this information has been helpful in making your decision about which type of mulch is right for you.

Here are some key takeaways:

• Softscape mulch is a great way to improve the appearance of your landscape, reduce water evaporation, and suppress weeds.
• There are many different types of softscape mulch available, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks.
• You can buy softscape mulch online or at your local garden center.

When choosing a softscape mulch, be sure to consider the size of your project, the climate in your area, and your budget. By doing your research, you can find the perfect softscape mulch for your needs.