BEFORE

Trim trees and bushes and clean up your beds - Trim your trees and bushes, paying particular attention to removing low lying branches and stems lying on the ground. Then rake out all other debris (leaves, weeds, sticks, etc) accumulated since the last time you mulched. No need to remove existing mulch as we will blow your new mulch right on top of the existing base.
Put down a weed barrier - Spray all remaining weeds with a post-emergent herbicide (Round-Up or similar weed killer) 1 to 2 weeks prior to mulching. This will keep those dormant weed seeds from germinating especially if you plan to cultivated the beds.
Edge your beds – Creating a clean edge really enhances your landscape and gives it a professional look. An edging shovel or power edger can be used to create your edge. Try using your garden hose as a guide to create nice flowing curves.
Cultivate – After you've cleaned the beds, cultivate any compacted soil or mulch. A roto-tiller or hand cultivator works fine. Cultivating allows moisture and air to pass through the mulch easier. We recommend that you only cultivate compacted areas.
5. Rake smooth surface area – Using a hard tine rake, such as a landscape rake, smooth out all the surfaces to be mulched. This keeps your new mulch from looking 'lumpy '.
6. Apply a pre-emergent – Now is the time to apply a pre-emergent herbicide (Preen or similar) to prevent germination of weed seeds. A second application, after the mulch has been installed, can add protection from weed seeds that may germinate in the mulch, compliments of the local wildlife.
7. Mulch – Apply your choice of new mulch over the existing cultivated mulch or soil. If you have existing mulch, add no more than 3 inches of new mulch. If you have a new bed requiring mulch, we recommend no more than 4 inches for your base.