Mulch is more than just a finishing touch for your landscape—it plays a crucial role in maintaining the health, beauty, and longevity of your outdoor space. Whether you prefer pine straw, hardwood mulch, or stone mulch, choosing the right material and having it professionally installed ensures that your landscape remains vibrant, polished, and well-protected throughout the year.
At Great Estates Landscaping, we specialize in premium mulch installation for homeowners who want expert application, lasting results, and a flawless landscape. With spring rapidly approaching, now is the best time to refresh your mulch beds to prepare for the 2025 growing season. Here’s everything you need to know about our top mulch recommendations and why professional installation is a must.
Mulch, Pine Straw, and Even Stone! Which is Best for Your Landscape?
We have trailers full of fresh pine straw and access to mountains of natural and dyed hardwood mulch to meet your landscaping needs. For homeowners looking for a long-term solution, we also offer stone mulch installation as a durable, maintenance-free alternative.
Our Professional Mulch Recommendations
1. Pine Straw – A Budget-Friendly Classic
- Best for: Homeowners who want a cost-effective and natural-looking ground cover.
Pine straw is an affordable and lightweight mulch option that is easy to install. It provides excellent insulation for plant roots and allows water to easily reach the soil, making it a great choice for flower beds and sloped areas.
Things to Consider:
- Needs refreshing twice a year (spring & fall).
- Loses color quickly and becomes compacted over time.
- Does not suppress weeds as effectively as hardwood mulch.
2. Hardwood Mulch – Long-Lasting & Rich in Color
- Best for: Homeowners looking for a premium, polished appearance with added soil benefits.
Hardwood mulch (both natural and dyed) enhances soil quality by retaining moisture, suppressing weeds, and regulating temperature. Dyed mulch provides a bold, rich color, while natural mulch offers a classic and organic look.
Things to Consider:
- Lasts about one year before needing a refresh.
- Dyed mulch fades over time, especially with rain exposure.
- Requires more labor for installation than pine straw.
3. Stone Mulch – The Ultimate Low-Maintenance Solution
- Best for: Homeowners who want a permanent, long-lasting alternative to organic mulch.
Stone mulch, particularly 2”-5” river slicks, is an excellent investment for landscape beds that require durability and a sophisticated aesthetic. Unlike pine straw and mulch, stone does not decompose, fade, or wash away, making it a long-term cost-saving choice.
Things to Consider:
- Higher upfront cost than organic mulch.
- Requires professional installation with a weed barrier fabric.
- Can retain heat, which may impact nearby plants in extreme temperatures.
- Pro Tip: To keep stone mulch looking pristine and weed-free, we always recommend installing a weed mat fabric underneath. This prevents weeds from growing and keeps the stones from sinking into the soil over time.
Why Professional Mulch Installation Is Worth It
While some homeowners attempt DIY mulch installation, hiring professionals ensures proper coverage, precision, and long-term benefits. Here’s why you should trust Great Estates Landscaping for your mulch project:
1. Proper Depth & Application
Applying mulch too thick can suffocate plant roots, while too thin won’t provide enough weed suppression or moisture retention. Our team applies:
✔ 2-3 inches of hardwood mulch for optimal plant health.
✔ The right amount of pine straw for even coverage and insulation.
✔ Stone mulch installed with weed fabric to prevent unwanted growth.
2. Weed Prevention & Bed Preparation
Before installing mulch, we properly prep your landscape beds by:
- Removing existing weeds and debris.
- Installing a high-quality weed barrier fabric for stone mulch beds.
- Ensuring an even, clean surface for a polished look.
3. Clean & Even Installation
Messy edges, uneven mulch distribution, and mulch overflowing onto walkways are common issues with DIY installations. Our team expertly shapes and smooths mulch beds, leaving your landscape looking neat, professional, and well-maintained.
4. Time-Saving & Hassle-Free
Mulching is a physically demanding task. By hiring professionals, you:
✔ Save hours of backbreaking work.
✔ Avoid buying, transporting, and spreading heavy mulch bags.
✔ Get flawless results without the effort.
5. Edge Retention for Long-Term Durability
To keep mulch, pine straw, and stone mulch in place, we recommend professional edging installation.
Our Top Pick: Tennessee Crab Orchard Strip Rubble
✔ Sizes: 4”x4” (Medium) or 6”x6” (Large).
✔ Color Options: Gray and brown.
✔ Installation: Can be laid with or without mortar for a structured, elegant look.
Edging keeps your mulch beds tidy, prevents erosion, and adds a high-end finishing touch to your landscape.
How Often Should You Replace Mulch?
- Pine Straw: Twice a year (Spring & Fall).
- Hardwood Mulch: Annually.
- Stone Mulch: Lasts for decades (may require occasional refreshing).
By keeping up with professional mulch maintenance, your landscape will stay fresh, weed-free, and visually appealing all year long.
Schedule Your Professional Mulch Installation Today!
At Great Estates Landscaping, we provide expert mulch installation that enhances the beauty, functionality, and longevity of your landscape. Whether you need pine straw, hardwood mulch, or stone mulch, our team ensures precise application, premium materials, and lasting results.
Why Choose Great Estates Landscaping?
✔ High-Quality Materials – Fresh pine straw, premium hardwood mulch, and long-lasting stone mulch.
✔ Expert Installation – Perfect depth, weed prevention, and clean edges.
✔ Time-Saving Convenience – We handle everything, so you don’t have to.
✔ Enhanced Curb Appeal – Instantly improve your landscape’s appearance.
Call us today to schedule your mulch refresh or upgrade!
Before you go
Mulch installation is one of the simplest ways to improve curb appeal, protect plant health, and reduce landscape maintenance. Whether you prefer affordable pine straw, rich hardwood mulch, or long-lasting stone, professional installation ensures that your investment looks better and lasts longer.
For homeowners seeking high-end, trusted landscaping services, Great Estates Landscaping is your go-to partner for premium mulch installation and expert landscape solutions. Let’s transform your outdoor space this spring—contact us today!