How to Mulch a Path
A mulched path reduces or eliminates the amount of mud and dirt tracked into a house. The mulched path connects areas of the yard, house, garden, shed or garage, creating designated walking areas. A mulched path, whether permanent or temporary, looks attractive and adds to the overall landscape design. Whether you're mulching an existing path or creating a new one, you need to follow some basic procedures to achieve a properly finished pathway. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Calculator
- Mulch
- Trowel or shovel
- Landscape fabric
- Landscaping staples
- Mallet
- Wheelbarrow
- Pitchfork
- Rake
Instructions
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1
Measure the path's width and length. Multiply the two for the total square feet. For a depth 3 inches, multiply the square feet by .25. This gives you the cubic feet of your path. Divide that result by 27, the equivalent of 1 cubic yard. The result tells you how many cubic yards of mulch you need to cover the path.
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Purchase bulk mulch from a local supplier. Use a reputable company to ensure the mulch is free of termites. Have the mulch delivered, or pick it up before you begin the path. Bulk mulch often costs less than bagged mulch.
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3
Remove all plant materials from the path. Pull out the roots to prevent new growth. If you have weeds or grass encroaching the path, you might need to use weed killer. Follow the manufacturer's directions on the herbicide.
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Unroll landscaping fabric onto the path. If the fabric isn't wide enough, roll out more, and overlap the center edges. Landscape fabric generally comes in 3- and 4-foot widths. The fabric prevents weed growth while allowing air flow and proper drainage.
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Push landscaping staples through the fabric and into the ground along the edges. Use a mallet if you overlap the fabric or if you have hard ground underneath that prevents pushing the staples into the earth.
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Transfer the mulch material to the path with a wheelbarrow. Dump the mulch onto the path. Spread it with a rake until it is level and approximately 3 inches thick.
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Tips & Warnings
Edging the path will keep the mulch where it belongs. Choose an edge material that matches your landscape.
Contact local tree cutting companies about free wood chip delivery. Wood chips make an economical mulch for pathways.
You can use a mulch calculator to double-check the amount you need before purchase.
Refresh the mulch as needed with a top layer.
Rock or gravel mulch makes a more permanent path with less maintenance than wood or other biodegradable materials.
Dyed mulch can stain concrete. If you have dyed mulch delivered, lay a tarp to protect any concrete surfaces.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Liquidlibrary/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
