To mulch or not to mulch?  That is not the question.  It is a must in many communities.  So the question is instead which mulch? 

Mulch is a popular landscaping material in North East Florida for several reasons. It helps retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, prevent weed growth, and enhance the appearance of garden beds. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of buying bulk mulch vs. bagged mulch and where to buy it in the surrounding cities of Jacksonville, Palm Coast, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, Orange Park, Fleming Island, and Fernandina Beach.

Let’s go over the top big dos and don’ts for mulching your home. 

Bulk Mulch vs. Bagged Mulch

Bulk mulch is usually sold by cubic yard (explained here) and is the best option for larger landscaping projects. Buying bulk mulch is more cost-effective than buying bagged mulch. It is delivered directly to your location, and you don’t have to worry about transporting multiple bags of mulch in your vehicle.

Bagged mulch, on the other hand, is usually sold in bags of 2 or 3 cubic feet and is ideal for small landscaping projects. Bagged mulch is readily available at big box stores, local garden centers, and hardware stores. It is also easy to transport and store.

Where to Buy Mulch

There are several places to buy mulch in North East Florida. Big box stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Walmart, local garden centers like Rockaway Garden Center, and landscape supply companies like Site One or Stone Plus, are all excellent options.

Stone Plus is a reputable landscape supply company that provides quality mulch to the nearby cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, Orange Park, Fleming Island, Fernandina Beach, and Palm Coast. 

They offer different types of mulch, including red, gold, natural cypress, black, and brown wood chips, natural pine bark in multiple sizes, and pine straw mulch. They also provide fast delivery services to your location.

Ordering and Measuring Tips

Before ordering mulch, it’s essential to measure the area’s size to determine the amount of mulch needed. You can measure the area in feet and multiply the length by the width to determine the square footage. 

For example, if your garden bed is 10 feet long and 25 feet wide, the square footage will be 250 square feet. To determine the amount of mulch needed, you can use the following formula: 

For example, if your garden bed is 250 square feet and you want to apply a 2-inch layer of mulch, you will need 1.5 cubic yards of mulch. Before ordering mulch, it’s important to measure the area’s size.  Stone Plus sells bulk down to the 1/4 yard so you can get exactly how much you need. 

Installation Tips

Installing quality landscape fabric before adding mulch can help prevent weed growth and retain soil moisture.   (Pro tip if you can poke your finger through it, it is not good weed matting.)  

Landscape fabric can be cut to fit any size or shape of the garden bed and is easy to install.

When applying mulch, it’s important to spread it evenly and not pile it too high around the base of plants, as this can suffocate the roots. A 2-inch layer of mulch is generally sufficient for most garden beds.

Conclusion

 In conclusion, mulch is an excellent landscaping material that has several benefits beyond cosmetics. Buying bulk mulch is more cost-effective for larger landscaping projects, while bagged mulch is more suitable for smaller projects. Stone Plus is a great source of expert advice and can help you get an accurate quote on quantity and cost.  Stone Plus has the quality mulch you need and offers fast delivery services in North East Florida.