Shredded Hardwood Mulch

We stock our shredded hardwood mulch in 2 cubic foot bags, 3 cubic foot bags and in bulk by the cubic yard.

One cubic yard of bulk shredded hardwood mulch is equivalent to 900 pounds. We can deliver a maximum of 12 cubic yards (324 cubic feet) of mulch on one truck to your location. The maximum amount of weight we can fit on one truck is 12,500 lbs. If you need more than 12 cubic yards of shredded hardwood, it will require an additional truck(s) and fee(s). If you’re ordering by the bag, 68 2 cubic foot bags of shredded hardwood mulch will fit on a pallet and 45 3 cubic feet bags will fit on a pallet. If you’re ordering a full pallet of material, we will bring a forklift to unload the product onto your driveway.

In addition to delivery, we can also provide installation services. If you’re interested in having our team install your mulch, please book a landscape appointment and select Garden Cleanup,  Mulch and Sod as the appointment type.

To install mulch, spread it on your desired area about 2 to 3” deep. If you are placing it around a plant, taper the mulch down toward the base of the plant so that there is a 1” area around the base that is free from mulch. Placing a 2 to 3” layer of mulch up against the base of the plant may lead to disease and rot.

What is the purpose of mulch and is it necessary in the garden?

Mulch helps to conserve soil moisture, prevent weed growth and add organic matter to the soil as it breaks down, providing nutrients to plants through decomposition. Without mulch your soil can dry out more quickly and provide a space for weeds to take over.

How do I know what kind of mulch to use?

Mulch is mostly an aesthetic preference, meaning you can choose based on the color, texture and style you want to look at in your landscape. All of our mulches provide the same benefits in terms of retaining moisture, preventing weed growth and adding organic matter back to the soil during decomposition.

There are a few functional components to keep in mind when you’re selecting your mulch. If the area you are mulching is on a slope, we suggest using a finer shredded mulch, such as shredded hardwood, premium oak bark, or premium cypress mulch. The stringy, sinewy texture of these mulches anchor in better than mulch chips, which would potentially run right down a hill. You’ll want to stay away from mulches that have large nuggets, like Rappahannock and silver dollar as large clusters placed on a slope can move with rainwater.

If you are unsure of which mulch to use, you can visit us at Merrifield Garden Center with photos of your landscape and we can help you find the perfect match. We also have sample bins available at each location where you can see, touch and explore the various options.

How much mulch should I use?

We recommend putting your mulch down at a depth of 2 to 3”. If you add more than 3” of mulch on top of your plants, it can create a barrier that inhibits air and water from getting into the soil.

How often should I replace the mulch and do I have to take up the old mulch?

We recommend replacing your mulch about once a year. You can do this at any point of the year, but early spring is typically a great time as you are already doing spring cleaning in your garden.

As the mulch ages, you may see an inch or two of runoff or decomposition as the broken down hardwood enriches the soil with nutrients, leaving a thin layer of old mulch on your plants. When you’re replenishing your mulch each year you can leave the existing thin layer of the old mulch in place and top dress it with the new layer.

What is shredded hardwood mulch?

Shredded hardwood mulch is made from natural hardwood trees that are shredded into fibrous material.

Does shredded hardwood mulch fade?

Yes, the brown color lightens over time due to sunlight and weather, turning to a tan or light brown.

Will shredded hardwood mulch wash away?

Its fibrous texture helps it stay in place better than chip-style mulches.