Mulch Path
Imagine how nice it would be to have a pretty trail winding through your backyard or a functional path leading to your garden shed. A mulch path is a quick and easy project, giving you an attractive and functional pathway anywhere you want it.
Download a PDF of our Mulch Path Project Guide
Select a guide section:
- Project Photos
- Required Tools
- Materials Needed
- Coverage Calculations
- Preparation
- Installation
- Project Options
- Maintenance
- The Fine Print
Project Photos
See the photos below for examples of finished projects. Click the thumbnails to view larger images.
Required Tools
- Shovels (Flat, Round Point)
- Hard Rake
- Pitch Fork
- Wheelbarrow
Materials Needed
- Mulch
- Landscape Fabric
- Edge Restraints (Tumbled Cobbles, Metal Edging)
Coverage Calculations
- Mulch for a path will cover ~100 sq. ft. per cubic yard at a depth of 3”.
- Tumbled Crab Orchard Cobbles will do approximately 120-130 linear feet per ton.
Preparation
- Please remember to call before you dig! Having to repair broken utilities will cost you more time and money then expected. In Georgia, call 1-800-282-7411 or visit www.gaupc.com
- Begin by laying out your projected pathway and taking measurements. A garden hose laid on the ground, outlining the path, will give you a good visual reference. You can easily change and modify the shape of the pathway by simply moving the hose.
Installation
- Remove 3″ of soil from the area to account for the depth of the mulch. We recommend at least 3″ to keep weed growth down. Removing the soil will ensure the pathway is flush with the surrounding landscape.
- Next, install the edge restraints to the shape of the pathway.
- For metal edging, bend and form the metal edging to the shape of the pathway and use the provided spikes to secure it in place. To hide the edging from view, place the top of the edging just below the surrounding soil level.
- For cobblestone edging, place the cobblestones along the edges of the pathway, so they are flush with the soil level. For a more secure edging, mortar the cobblestones together from the bottom and between them.
- Next, lay down the landscape fabric. Landscape fabric will stabilize the path by keeping the mulch from being mixed with the soil below and soil from rising up into the path. If this happens, the path will become mushy and discolored.
- Once edge restraints and fabric are in place you are ready to add the mulch. Fill in the walkway 3” deep and rake the mulch to produce a smooth finish.
Project Options
There are many color options available for mulch. Choose one that complements your existing landscape:
- Cypress Mulch
- Forest Brown Much
- Walnut Brown Mulch
- Black Velvet Mulch
- Red Flower Mulch
- Natural Hardwood
Maintenance
- From time to time, small clumps of grass or weeds may appear. Just use a little weed killer to knock them out.
- Over time, the mulch will start to decompose and lower the level of the path. Replace the low areas with fresh mulch.
- Mulch will also fade after a while. Just top it off with some fresh mulch to rejuvenate your pathway.
The Fine Print
Please be aware that each project is unique and may pose different obstacles and circumstances that this guide cannot foresee. It is intended as a reference only. Most of these installation techniques are great for our geographic location here in Atlanta, GA. Soil conditions and climate play a large role in how each project is constructed. For example, if you live in the Northeast you will have to use a deeper base material to account for the freeze/thaw cycle that is notorious for upheaving patios. Stone Forest cannot be held liable for any damages incurred by the use of this guide.
Please seek a professional contractor’s advice if you are uncomfortable with undertaking a project you have not completed before.