Sandy Springs Mulch Delivery

Will mulch wash off my sloped yard during a Georgia downpour?

It can, and slopes are common in Sandy Springs given the ridges and creek draws throughout the area. Use a double ground or shredded hardwood rather than nuggets, because the stringy fibers knit together and grip. On grades steeper than about 3:1, add a shallow trench or edging at the bottom of the bed to catch anything that migrates during a two inch storm.

When is the best time of year to mulch here?

Late March through April is ideal in Sandy Springs. The last frost typically passes around March 29, soil is warming, and you get the mulch down before summer heat and weed germination take over. A lighter second application in October helps insulate roots before the first frost around November 12. Avoid mulching heavily in midwinter over cold wet clay, since it slows spring warming.

How much mulch do I need for a typical Sandy Springs front bed?

A common Sandy Springs foundation bed running 40 feet long by 6 feet deep is 240 square feet, which needs about 2.2 cubic yards at three inches. Round up slightly because clay beds are rarely perfectly level and low spots eat material. Most homeowners here order three to six yards for a full front and side refresh.

Does mulch attract termites near my foundation?

Termites are active throughout metro Atlanta, but mulch itself is not a food source they seek out. The real risk is depth and contact, so keep mulch no more than two inches deep within a foot of the foundation and leave a clear inspection gap along the brick or siding. Pine bark and hardwood both perform fine when kept off the wall. Never pile mulch against siding, which is the one habit that causes trouble in Sandy Springs homes.

Should I remove last year's mulch before adding new mulch?

Usually no. In Sandy Springs the bottom layer is actively decomposing into the red clay, which is exactly what that clay needs. Rake the old layer to break up any matted crust, then top dress with an inch or two. Only strip it out if the total depth exceeds four inches or if you see a water repellent fungal mat, which occasionally forms during dry August stretches.

What mulch color holds up best in our sun and rain?

Natural double ground hardwood fades to a soft gray brown and looks intentional the whole season. Dyed black holds color longest in shaded Sandy Springs beds but can look chalky in full southern exposure by August. Dyed brown is the middle ground and hides red clay splash from heavy rain better than black does. Expect any color to soften after our summer storm cycle.