Replacing mulch (Houston, Earth: sale, new home, landscaping)

[hulio82]

so i see/hear everyone replacing their mulch this time of the year. being a new home owner, never really had to deal with it before. couple of questions:

1. Whats the best place to by mulch in houston?
2. My coworker told me there's different types- what's the best type for houston?
3. Do you all replace all the mulch? or just top it off with the new mulch?

[DSL_PWR]

We are replacing all of ours with Shredded Rubber Mulch in Black.

Getting rid of the bark stuff they put in when they built the house.

[azinwood]

1. I buy it from the dudes that come around the neighbor hood selling it. They buy it from the companies producing it around Houston. You can buy directly from them like Living Earth Houston Area - Mulch Soil Compost Sand Gravel Delivery and have it delivered to your house where you need to distribute it yourself. Decide what your time is worth.

2. No idea, I usually get the dyed black mulch. Many times they say the mulch could have termites in them, I'm not surprised if they do. Dyed mulch will fade and will look worse as time progresses.

3. Just top it off

[Schumacher713]

I have never heard of using rubber mulch. Probably a really cheap over the long run. Mulch lasts about 4 months before it breaks down. I find the no float cypress mulch lasts the longest. Probably twice as long. I might do this rubber thing next time.

http://www.chron.com/life/gardening/...ke-1915076.php

[NY to LA]

Living earth charges $100 delivery fee. Last year we got the earthgro red mulch from home depot. They come on sale as four bags for $10. The color is still looking good till now.
I think u should put some new soil or manure on top of the old mulch then add the new mulch.

[trekbiker]

Mulch contains termites??

[azinwood]

Looks like they can exist but aren't a real threat.

ENY-832/IN651: The Facts About Termites and Mulch

[beh5y2]

International Mulch Company will give you a free quote on rubber mulch for your landscaping or playground. Have two types of rubber mulches and many accessories. Their number is 314-373-1169. They ship across the country.

[Metro Matt]

What ever you do don't use pine mulch because it attracts termites.

[travelguy_73]

My two cents:
(1) rubber mulch might look OK, but part of the reason for mulching is that it breaks down and enriches the soil.
(2) from an aesthetic standpoint, cypress (the orangy stuff) is about the worst looking I have seen. Back in the day, I was guilty of using it, but it just looks very unnatural.
(3) hardwood mulch is dark brown and rich looking, and what I use. I get mine from Wayne's Landscape Supply, but check out the ones around you. I think an average price is between $25-$30 a yard for "premium." Look to make sure it isn't just lightly shredded bark (which will take forever to break down and might float away in a storm). The bagged hardwood mulch from the big box stores have the consistency I prefer.
(4) I always borrow a truck and pick it up myself, it's a lot cheaper and that's what friends sign up for when they buy trucks, right?
(5) I add to my existing mulch 1-2 times a year (now and fall). The mulch will break down at different rates depending on the amount of sun it gets (my experience), and so some areas really only need a top-dressing, while other areas need quite a bit.
(6) Don't overdo it (spread it too thick). You want a decent amount, but don't choke off the base of the plant.