Mulch Installation Service

Protect your garden beds and give them a uniform appearance

Improve Your Curb Appeal By Installing High-Quality Bark Mulch

We offer mulch delivery and installation services

Mulch installation can provide several benefits for your garden beds such as giving it a nice uniform appearance, it can also help to reduce the amount of weeds, it can help retain moisture, and it helps insulate and protect your plants root systems during cold weather.  Adding mulch to your garden beds is a key part of maintaining a healthy looking landscape.

There are several different types of mulch available at local landscape supply yards that we can use on your property for different aesthetic and functional properties.  Typically we use hardwood bark mulch in a variety of grades including bark nuggets, shredded mulch, and bark fines.  It's available in different colors as well including black, brown, or red.

Haughey Brothers Landscaping is a landscaping contractor based out of Westfield, New Jersey and serving Union County, including: Berkeley Heights, Chatham, Cranford, Madison, Mountainside, Scotch Plains, Short Hills, Springfield, and Summit. We offer delivery and spreading of several different types of bark mulch for garden beds of all sizes.  We can deliver and spread mulch throughout your garden beds, flower beds and landscape features for both residential and commercial clients.

The Benefits Of Installing Bark Mulch In Your Garden Or Landscape Beds

Here are three clear benefits of installing bark mulch in garden or landscape beds:

Moisture Retention: Bark mulch helps retain moisture in the soil, which can benefit the plants in your garden. According to a study by the University of Rhode Island, bark mulch can reduce soil moisture loss by up to 25%, which can help plants grow better and require less watering. This can be especially beneficial in areas with hot and dry climates or during periods of drought or when water restrictions might be in place.

Weed Suppression: Another benefit of bark mulch is that it can help suppress weed growth in your garden or landscape beds. When applied in a thick enough layer bark mulch can reduce weed growth by up to 90% for extended periods of time. This is because the mulch creates a physical barrier that prevents weed seeds from germinating and growing.

Soil Improvement: Bark mulch can also improve the quality of your soil over time. As the mulch breaks down, it adds organic matter to the soil, which can improve soil structure, and nutrient content.  These can both benefit plant growth and health in the long term.

Preparing Your Garden And Landscape Beds For Mulch Installation

Weed Removal: We begin with a thorough weeding of the garden beds. We remove any existing weeds by hand, ensuring we get the roots to prevent future regrowth.

Clear Debris: We remove any plant debris, rocks, or old, torn, landscape fabric, that may hinder the new mulch's ability to regulate soil temperature and retain moisture.

Define Edges: Using a sharp spade or an edging tool we clearly define the edges of your garden beds. This not only improves appearance but also helps contain the mulch within the desired areas.

Install Landscape Fabric (Optional): For added weed control, laying down landscape fabric is an option.

Plan for Planting: If you're having us install new plants, we usually do so before mulching. This allows us to place the plants exactly where you want them and ensures the mulch doesn't interfere with the planting process.

Mulch Application: Finally, we apply mulch evenly across your garden beds, maintaining a thickness of about 2-3 inches.  We avoid piling mulch against plant stems and tree trunks to prevent moisture buildup and potential rot.

It's not really a good idea to just start spreading out mulch without some preparation to the garden and landscape beds.  For a proper, professional level installation you'll want to properly prepare the areas where the mulch will be installed.

We are happy to add garden and landscape bed preparation and clean up services into your estimate.  It makes an amazing difference in how good the mulch will look after installation.

Mulch Delivery & Installation

Minimum Mulch Delivery/Spreading = 5 Yards.  Mulch is sold and delivered by the yard.  1 yard of mulch spread about an 1″ thick should cover approximately 324 square feet.  We can arrive to your location with up to 6-12 yards of mulch in one of our dumping trailers and orders larger than that will need to be delivered via a dump truck or we can do it in multiple trips.

*Each trip for mulch or other materials comes with an individual delivery charge.

Our mulch installation estimates include delivery costs, spreading (approx 1 man hr per yard), edging of your garden beds, and a clean up of the delivery area.  You'll be really happy with the new, uniform appearance your garden beds will have!

What Does It Cost To Install Mulch?

Please Note:  We have a minimum charge of $500 for bark mulch installation projects.  This includes the mulch, delivery, and installation.  For exact pricing please request an estimate.

Mulch Installation

Smaller Properties

Starting @ $500

This would be for a smaller property with a few garden beds that require mulch installation.

Mulch Installation In Front Garden Beds

Medium Properties

$500 - $1000+

This would be for a medium sized property with several garden beds in the front and backyard.

Mulch Installation On Corner Property

Large Properties

$1000 - $2500+

This would be for a large property like an estate or HOA with several large garden beds surrounding the property.

Mulch Installation Estimates Include

Please Note:  We have a minimum charge of $500 for bark mulch installation projects.

  • Initial clean up of garden beds and removal of debris. (we recommend trimming shrubs and bushes at this time)
  • Delivery and installation of high quality bark mulch (approximately 2" to 3" deep).
  • Clean up of the delivery area using blowers and rakes.  We'll leave no trace!

Do You Have Questions About Bark Mulch Installation?

A depth of 2 to 4 inches of bark mulch is generally recommended for landscape beds, based on the recommendations of various horticulturists from leading universities.  Any less and it won't last very long, any more and it could prevent your plants from getting water and oxygen to their roots.

Bark mulch typically lasts for one to two years, depending on the climate, soil type, and other factors. It is generally recommended to replace the mulch every one to two years or as needed.

It is not necessary to remove old bark mulch before adding new mulch. However, it is recommended to rake or agitate the old mulch to loosen it up and mix it with the soil to promote it's decomposition.

Bark mulch is generally safe for pets and children, but it is recommended to keep them away from the mulched area until it is settled and dry. Some types of bark mulch may contain chemicals or dyes, so we often recommend the use of natural, untreated mulch if this is a concern.

Bark mulch can that is applied properly in a layer 2 to 4 inches thick can provide a really good barrier against weeds.  It can stop seeds from germinating by blocking their sunshine and access to water.  However, bark mulch will not prevent 100% of weeds from coming through and will eventually need to be replaced.

Bark mulch is best installed during the early spring where it has a chance to do the most good for your landscape beds by preventing weed growth early in the season.

Landscape cloth, also known as weed barrier or landscape fabric, is commonly used in gardens and landscaping projects to help suppress weed growth and provide a barrier between the soil and mulch. However, there are several disadvantages to using landscape cloth below bark mulch and we generally don't recommend it.

#1.  It Can Reduce Soil Quality: Landscape cloth can impede the natural flow of air, water, and nutrients into the soil. This can result in poorer soil quality and health, potentially limiting plant growth for the plants you actually do want to grow.

#2.  Limits The Breakdown Of Organic Matter: By blocking the contact between the mulch and the soil, landscape cloth can limit the breakdown of organic matter from the mulch into the soil. This reduces the benefits of applying mulch, such as improved soil structure and nutrient availability for plants.

#3.  Weeds And Grasses Can Still Grow: Over time, organic debris can accumulate on top of the landscape cloth, providing a suitable environment for weeds and grasses to grow. Additionally, some persistent weeds may still grow through the fabric.

#4.  Makes Planting More Difficult: Installing new plants or reconfiguring the layout of your garden can be more challenging when landscape cloth is present, as you will need to cut through the fabric to create space for new plants.

#5.  Durability Issues: Although some landscape fabrics are designed to be long-lasting, they can eventually degrade due to exposure to the elements, requiring replacement. In some cases, the fabric can tear, rendering it less effective as a weed barrier.

#6.  Environmental Concerns: The production and disposal of synthetic landscape cloth can have negative environmental impacts. Some fabrics are made from petroleum-based materials, which are not biodegradable and can contribute to plastic pollution.

#7.  Aesthetics: The edges of landscape cloth can sometimes become visible, detracting from the overall appearance of your garden or landscape.

While landscape cloth can be helpful in certain situations, it's important to consider these potential disadvantages before installing it under bark mulch.

Bark mulch can be used in vegetable gardens and around fruit trees, as it helps maintain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate temperature.  If you plan on installing bark mulch in your vegetable gardens and around fruit trees it's best to choose a bark mulch that doesn't use any color dye or the dye is non-toxic.

Some types of bark mulch can slightly affect soil pH, but generally not enough to harm most plants. If you'd like us to we can test your soil pH and choose a bark mulch that suits your specific plants' needs.

Bark mulch is made from the outer layer of trees, wood chips are small pieces of wood, and shredded bark is longer strands of bark. Each type has different characteristics and may be more suitable for specific applications.

We do not offer “delivery only” services on mulch.  We are a landscaping company and not a product supplier.  If you require mulch delivered for you to install on your own, we suggest contacting your nearest landscape supply company.

If you’d like to schedule an estimate to deliver and install mulch in your garden beds we’d be happy to meet with you.  Please call (908) 265-3847 or fill out our online form and we’ll get right back to you.

Our Clients Love Us!

Here's What They Say

joe muratore
google
joe muratore
April 15, 2024

Thank you to Ethan and his team! Our property looks the best its ever been, with new shrubs, trimming, and landscaping details. We appreciate working with you and trust your guidance for our property. Great work!!

Michele Belier
google
Michele Belier
February 7, 2024

I highly recommend Haughey Brothers Landscaping. They did an excellent job repairing our front walk, where tree roots had pushed up the paver stones; and our driveway, where a number of stones had sunk below the edge of the garage. They totally evened out both areas, and power-washed them as well. Now they look brand new! Haughey Brothers really did a great job.

Stavros Makris
google
Stavros Makris
December 21, 2023

I recently had the wonderful opportunity to work with Haughey brothers landscaping for the installation of my new patio, and the experience exceeded all my expectations. The owner, Devin, personally oversaw the project, bringing an unmatched level of professionalism and expertise to the table. From our first meeting, Devin impressed me with his deep knowledge and passion for landscaping. He was incredibly helpful in guiding us through the design process, ensuring that every detail was tailored to our preferences and needs. His hands-on approach and commitment to excellence were evident throughout the project. The team working under Devin was just as professional and efficient, completing the patio on schedule and to the highest quality. The final result is a breathtaking outdoor space that has become the highlight of our home. Devin’s leadership and personal involvement as the owner truly made a difference. It’s clear that he and his company Haughey brothers landscaping stand for quality, customer satisfaction, and beautiful craftsmanship. I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking for top-notch landscaping services.

Steve Aronson
google
Steve Aronson
November 6, 2023

The Haughey Brothers were recommended to us for some backyard landscaping work. They were highly responsive in providing us with proposals and patient as we changed our plans several times. They were prompt and professional throughout the 1-day installation. The crew was highly industrious in properly preparing the area for the plants, rock landscaping and sod. Ethan and his team went above and beyond to ensure the job was successful. We will use them again next year for other yard improvements.

Trevor Deal
google
Trevor Deal
October 30, 2023

Ethan and Devin (the Haughey Brothers) are awesome! They are responsive, professional, reliable and do great work for a reasonable price. They are hard workers and always go above and beyond, while getting things done on time (and as promised). I recommend them for all of your landscaping needs.

Chris Palumbo
google
Chris Palumbo
October 9, 2023

We were looking for a complete overhaul of our front landscaping and walkway. I reached out to The Haughey Brothers and received a very timely response - which is rare these days as I reached out to a few different companies and received zero response from the majority of them. I submitted a request for a quote through the Haughey Brothers Landscaping website (which was very easy to use) and Ethan gave me a call that same day. We discussed what I was looking for and he actually stopped by to see the space - again, the same day - in order to provide the most accurate quote. He arrived with an idea for the space already in mind and described his plan in great detail. I could immediately tell he was someone with solid experience in this field. He measured the space and then said he would get back to me with a quote as soon as possible. I was pleasantly surprised to find that "as soon as possible" meant that very night! We worked together on revising the quote so that it met my exact needs and budget and then we were ready to get started. The Haughey Brothers team got to work very quickly. They dropped off the plants and began the job within a day or two of signing the contract. Ethan was extremely communicative throughout the entire process and I really could not be happier with how it ended up looking. I would highly recommend their services. They were a pleasure to work with and I look forward to using them again for any of my future landscaping or hardscaping needs. Thanks again to the entire team for a job very well done.

Valentina Rozanova
google
Valentina Rozanova
September 22, 2023

Ethan had a lot of great ideas on how to improve our landscaping. He was very thorough and patient. Work was done within needed timeline and price was good.

Marybeth Simpson-Steeber
google
Marybeth Simpson-Steeber
September 20, 2023

Shout out to Haughey Brothers Landscaping!! Not only did they do beautiful work, but they are courteous , professional, and most importantly, actually return phone calls! In fact, their communication is excellent. So glad we used them, and recommend them highly!

Laurie Scaturo
google
Laurie Scaturo
August 17, 2023

We were so pleased with the work done by Haughey Brothers. They planted a row of bushes that look fabulous. Ethan and Devin were responsive and professional. I highly recommend them for your landscaping needs.

Denise Ridente
google
Denise Ridente
July 31, 2023

Since my husband was unable to cut grass because of an injury the past two weeks, Haughey brothers landscaping responded to my message the same day and helped us out! They cut our lawn and trimmed a bush and we were saved from getting a fine from the town. Great job and so appreciated!

Henry Burk
google
Henry Burk
July 25, 2023

We have been using the landscaping services of the Haughey Brothers since they started their business. We have been very pleased with their service and would like to recommend them highly. Aside from their work, the brothers are pleasant and pleasant to deal with.

chris brindle
google
chris brindle
July 13, 2023

Setting up a job was simple through their online booking system. I was able to get an estimate for the work the same day. The crew that serviced my property was timely, efficient, and did a great job! Highly recommend Haughey Brothers Landscaping.

Christine Palma
google
Christine Palma
June 11, 2023

We used Haughey Landscaping and we are very pleased with the outcome. The pricing was fair and the workers were thorough. They cleaned up after themselves, which I consider a very important part of the job. The only negative is that Ethan said he would place a stepping stone in front of the shed and he did not. I reminded him twice and both times he said he forgot but would do it and he didn't. To be fair it wasn't part of the original estimate, I asked on the day the work was done. Other than that we are pleased with what was done. I changed my rating to a five star because they followed up on their promise. 👍

Christine Spassione
google
Christine Spassione
June 3, 2023

I couldn't maintain my front and side yard while undergoing breast cancer treatment, and Haughey Brothers Landscaping has given me such a beautiful gift back by fixing up my gardens again! Thank you! I can now sit and enjoy my gardens again! I hope next year Haughey Brothers Landscaping can help me tackle my back yard too!

ericka fong
google
ericka fong
April 20, 2023

I highly recommend the Haughey brothers for landscaping services. They arrived on time and completed the work as promised. They were professional and had a great work ethic. They also provided great guidance with design and overall landscaping needs. I would definitely use them again in the future.

Renee Vogler
google
Renee Vogler
July 30, 2022

We could not be more happy with the work the Haughey Brothers & crew did with our landscaping. We do not have a green thumb and our landscaping needed a lot of work. They gave us an estimate and started work right away. They brought a team of hard working & respectful guys who transformed our landscaping into the nicest on the block! I can't wait to use them again and again for other items we need done outside. You won't regret hiring them for your next project.

Lori Raab
google
Lori Raab
June 18, 2022

Great work landscaping and painting!

Janina Alzate
google
Janina Alzate
June 17, 2022

Great work and great attention to detail. Crew worked well and fast. Would recommend for all your landscaping needs.

Maxx Kleiner
google
Maxx Kleiner
June 15, 2022

We have had the Haughey Brothers come out and help us with landscaping work for the past 2 years and they have done a great job. We have tons of weeds, overgrown bushes and trees, etc. and they cleaned everything up and made our front and backyards look great! Highly recommend.

Nicole Greten
google
Nicole Greten
April 5, 2022

Very happy with all the landscaping work they did. Spring clean up, mulch, removed some old trees, planted some new ones and made the yard look really nice. Very professional and easy to work with too!

Barbara Haggerty
google
Barbara Haggerty
July 22, 2021

Thank you Haughey Brothers Landscaping for the great work in the front and back of our home. The new garden with the Dwarf Japanese Maple & perennials/Boxwood shrubs looks fantastic, and the rocks behind the garage was a much needed big project that we are so happy with the outcome. We definitely recommend the Haughey brothers and will use them for future landscaping projects!

Diana Garcia
google
Diana Garcia
June 16, 2021

The Haughey Brothers have been taking care of our landscaping needs for several years and frankly our lawn has never looked better. I highly recommend them.

Christina Z
google
Christina Z
May 10, 2021

Haughey Brothers Landscaping did a wonderful job landscaping our front yard. Everything turned out beautifully. The bushes and flowers they picked are absolutely stunning and exactly what we wanted to make the space pop. They were a pleasure to work with and were very collaborative throughout the entire process. I would highly recommend them for all your landscaping needs.

Brian Lopez
google
Brian Lopez
February 17, 2021

Haughey Brothers provides terrific service. I am a lifelong Cranford resident. The brothers were born and raised in Cranford. One is a student in college, the other in high school. I state this as a coming-of-age curmudgeon. They are respectful, hard working and provide their services at a fair price. They also attempt to employ other Cranford students to assist them. I highly recommend them for you snow removal and landscaping needs.

Sara Gardner Dunn
google
Sara Gardner Dunn
October 22, 2020

Over the past year, we have hired Haughey Brothers Landscaping for multiple jobs, including spring cleanup and weekly lawn mowing. Our front landscaping needed a complete overhaul, and Ethan and Devin were quick to give us a quote & come out once we were ready to start the project. They completed it in one day - pulling out all of the ground plants, trimming bushes, mulching and filling in a giant hole from where our oil tank was removed! They are very communicative & checked in to ensure that we were happy with the progress. Would highly recommend for all jobs big & small!

Patricia Di Russa
google
Patricia Di Russa
September 25, 2020

I initially spoke with Devin on a Thursday evening and Ethan came by on Friday to review what I wanted done. The Haughey brothers provided me with an estimate and reviewed what shrubs I would like planted in a timely manner and the job was complete by Tuesday! They use quality products (top soil/mulch/plants), are polite and respectful AND they get back to you. I highly recommend Haughey Brothers Landscaping for your landscape projects!

Kimberly Zarrello
google
Kimberly Zarrello
August 11, 2020

Haughey Brothers were amazing! I just moved into my first home and the landscaping was very overgrown and neglected. I needed a fresh start but was too intimidated to take on the work by myself. After reading other reviews I contacted the Haughey brothers and Ethan came over right away to talk through what I was looking to do and his recommendations. Within one week of the original conversation they were over and within two days of work, tore everything out, planted new gorgeous flowers, trees and bushes, mulched, and added a small retaining wall. They could not have been nicer and kept me involved the whole time, making sure I liked what was chosen and was okay with the prices. Highly recommend!!!!!!

John Finnerty
google
John Finnerty
April 30, 2020

The Haughey brothers recently did a bunch of landscaping in the front of our house. This included planting bushes, clearing out brush, putting down new mulch and building a decorative block border around our holly tree. The Haughey brothers did an excellent job!! They were professional, reasonably priced and kept us in the loop as they were deciding on bushes to plant and blocks to pick for the border. We definitely recommend the Haughey brothers! I have also posted some pics of their great work!

D&S Lawn & Landscaping Services
google
D&S Lawn & Landscaping Services
November 18, 2018

Haven’t used their services as I’m located in Michigan, but these 2 young guys are out here making a difference in the world. Age is just a number. I’ve helped them out in times when they needed and vice versa. They are polite and hardworking, if I was an adult in Cranford, I would definitely use and recommend Haughey Brothers Landscaping.

Request Your Estimate

Are You An Existing Customer?

If we've worked for you before, we would have created a client hub account for you in our project management software.  You can have quick access to our convenient client hub to submit a new job request and much more!

Our Client Hub Also Offers 24/7 Access To:

Create New Job Requests

See Approved Quotes

See Pending Quotes

See Next Scheduled Visit

Access Invoices & Receipts

Secure Payment Portal

New To Haughey Brothers Landscaping?

Please fill out the form below so we can get the necessary details to give you accurate information and pricing on the landscaping projects you'd like us to do.