Mulch is an important step in landscaping health. It’s one of the most important tasks when it comes to getting your landscape beds ready for the year . In this comprehensive guide to mulching, we will walk you through all the basics, including the best time to lay down mulch and how to spread it properly.
Our landscaping crew recently installed mulch under a tree for a property in Kansas City.
What is Mulch and Why Do You Need It?
You’ve probably heard the term “mulch” one time too many. But exactly what is it?
Mulch is a protective layer usually containing organic matter, such as bark, leaves, and compost, and inorganic elements, such as stone and rubber. It creates an effective barrier on the soil surface.
Soil temperature regulation, especially for providing a warm environment for seeds to germinate
Visual appeal
Organic vs. Inorganic Mulch
Most mulch is made from either organic or inorganic materials, and each has its pros and cons. The table below provides a brief overview of each one.
Organic vs. Inorganic Mulch: Pros & Cons
Organic Mulch
Inorganic Mulch
Pros
Provides additional nutrition to the soil as it decomposesCreates a natural look in your yardMore affordable
Much longer lastingComes in various textures and colors for a more modern look.Lower maintenance
Cons
Must be replenished every few yearsWeeds are more likely to break through the barrierNot ideal for extreme slopes
Higher upfront costAbsorbs heat and will dry out the soil underneath faster.Doesn’t decompose.
Common Types of Organic Mulch
Looking for organic mulch but not sure which type to get? Here are some common types of organic mulch and their characteristics:
Shredded bark: Common option that comes in a variety of textures and colors. Breaks down faster than other options on the list.
Wood Chips:Needs to be top-dressed every two to three years. Some colors use chemical dyes and can be harmful.
Leaf: Naturally provided by trees! Highly beneficial for the soil.
Grass Clipping: Provided naturally by your lawn. Save them after mowing. Grass creates a thin layer and dries out faster.
Straw: Lightweight and more affordable. Commonly used around fruits and vegetables, but not for curb appeal.
Common Types of Inorganic Mulch
Inorganic mulch can be used as a top-layer with organic mulch, or as a standalone mulch option. Here are five of the most common types of inorganic mulch:
Gravel, pebbles, river rocks: Various colors and textures, suitable around driveways, pathways, and hardscape.
Black plastic landscape tarp: Usually used as an underlayer and topped with another type of inorganic mulch. However, we severely recommend against using landscape tarp anywhere at all.
Landscape fabric: Basically an upgrade from landscape tarp. Also needs a top layer.
Rubber: Sturdy, stable, retains heat, and weather-proof. Good for outdoor activities, but the zinc contained in the rubber can suppress plant growth.
Newly installed mulch at one of our clients’ properties.
When is the Best Time to Mulch
Installing mulch in mid-to-late spring will yield the best results for plant growth in the new year. You should also install mulch in the fall to protect roots in the soil from Kansas City’s biting winter.
If you are planting new crops and plants, add mulch immediately after planting, regardless of the season. Depending on the type of mulch you use, you may also need to replenish it every few years to ensure the desired two-to-three-inch depth.
Where Should You Spread the Mulch
Technically speaking, mulch can be installed on top of any exposed soil, depending on your goal. Common places to spread mulch include:
Gardens and flower beds
Under trees and around shrubs
Pathways and driveways
Landscaping borders
How to Install Mulch In Your Yard
There are some key points to consider when installing mulch in your yard. These include:
Depth: You should ensure two to three inches of top-layer mulch.
Dumping: Dump mulch in small piles throughout the installation area using a wheelbarrow.
Evenness: Use a pitchfork or throw to spread the mulch evenly.
Edging: You want a sharp edge around the area to hold the mulch firmly.
Final touch: Use a rake to create the final, smooth surface you desire.
Of course, you can choose to handle mulching yourself. However, since mulching is an important step in the ongoing process of landscape maintenance, leaving it to a landscape maintenance company would be far more effective and beneficial.
Expect to pay between $125 to $175 per cubic yard for mulch installation without site preparation. More comprehensive mulching services, including edging, weeding, debris cleanup, and pre-emergent, cost about $1,200 per season, for an average size home.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should you do before mulch?
Prepare the area by removing existing weeds, cleaning up any debris and trash, and adding soil supplements (compost, fertilizer, etc). You can install a separate weed barrier, or let the mulch do its job.
2. What is the 3-3-3 rule for mulch?
The 3-3-3 stands for “three inches, three feet, three inches.” Specifically, it means to install 3 inches of mulch in a ring approximately 3 feet in radius. When installing around bushes and trees, keep mulch three inches away from the base to form a donut shape.
3. Where should you not put mulch?
Avoid “volcano” mulching, which means dumping mulch directly onto tree roots and shrub bases, creating a small mound. Volcanoes can cause trunk rot, girdling roots, and deprive your plants of oxygen. They can also lead to pest infestation.
Kansas City had a mild winter this year, without too much rain or snow. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t need to check your outdoor lighting before spring arrives. In this outdoor lighting maintenance checklist, we will go through common problems with low voltage outdoor lighting systems, whether you can fix them yourself, and, if not, how much the cost might be.
Common Reasons Why Your Outdoor Lights Aren’t Working
Outdoor lighting, like all other fixtures, can fail. Here are some common reasons why your light might not be working properly:
Aged wiring: Old lights might gradually stop working due to aged connections.
Weather damage: While outdoor lights are designed to last, inclement weather and hard debris can still damage them.
Problem with the power supply: Sometimes it’s not the lights, it’s your power source.
Connection issues: If your lights are controlled by a smart system or via a mobile app, check for signal and connection issues.
Software updates: Similarly, ensure your smart lights have the latest updates installed.
Normal wear and tear: Your light might have simply reached the end of its life.
Blocked or damaged sensor: Automatic lights rely on sensors to turn on after dark.
Regular maintenance will keep your low-voltage outdoor lighting illuminated, keeping your landscape lit, adding extra curb appeal while increasing security and nighttime accessibility.
Outdoor Lighting Maintenance Checklist
Now that you know the common reasons why your outdoor lights aren’t working, it’s time to do a thorough inspection of your lighting system. Usually, you would only troubleshoot if a light is flickering or not turning on at all. However, an annual inspection might help you catch problems early on and save on repair costs.
Lighting Maintenance Checklist
To-do
Pro Needed for Repair?
Cost
Clean and inspect fixtures
No
Under $20 if you need cleaning supplies
Inspect light bulbs
No
$15 – $50
Check wiring
Yes
$50 – $100 an hour
Check the power supply
Maybe
$100 – $200
Inspect the Connections
Most Likely
Approx. $15 – $50 per sensor.
Test the timer
Yes, if resetting the timer doesn’t work
$200 – $500
Test Color Settings
Maybe
Update Your Software
No
$0
1. Clean and Inspect Fixtures
Start with the easiest task by cleaning and inspecting your lighting fixtures. Remove any leaves, dirt, and debris from around the lights, and gently wipe the surfaces clean with a soft rag. You should thoroughly clean at least once a year. Preferably, check your lights seasonally or after inclement weather.
2. Inspect Lightbulbs
If you notice a light is flickering or isn’t turning on, the first thing to do would be to inspect the lightbulbs. Make sure to turn off the power before removing the lightbulb. Check the bottom of the bulb for signs of overheating or surging. You can also put the bulb into another fixture to see if the problem is the bulb or something else.
3. Check Wiring
If the lightbulbs are working but your lights still appear dim, unstable, or not turning on at all, chances are you have wiring issues. For anything electrical, it’s best to leave it to a professional electrician.
Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping crew helps troubleshoot the outdoor lighting system problems for a client, discovering wildlife damage to the wiring.
4. Check the Power Supply
Another reason your lights may be acting up is your power supply. Check the voltage and breaker box. Make sure the circuit box is functioning properly. If the problem persists, use a voltage checker to diagnose the problem. If you think something is wrong with the transformer, call an electrician for help.
5. Inspect the Connections
Your lighting connections for each light are a common place where issues occur. 80% – 90% of the time, when a light is not working, it is due to a connection point where the wire nuts have loosened or been moved due to critters, settling, maintenance, etc. Usually, you can fix most problems with lights at the connection point.
6. Test the Timer
The accuracy of your timer may also sway as time goes by. The best way to test your timer is set it at a lower number. If the timing seems off, follow your manufacturer’s manual to reset the timer. Sometimes you can also do a reset from your phone for a smart system. If you believe a new control panel is necessary, contact a local outdoor lighting installation company for the replacement.
7. Test Color Settings
Similarly, test each color setting to see if anything is amiss. Note that errors in color-changing lights could indicate a problem in wiring, connectivity, the control panel, or color-changing light bulbs. Given the complexity, you might want a professional to help you troubleshoot and address the issue.
8. Update Your Software
While most smart outdoor lighting systems have automatic software updates, certain patches or major version updates may require a manual download. Therefore, it’s a good idea to run a system diagnosis at least once a year so your system is always up to date.
Should I Hire a Pro?
Outdoor lighting system maintenance is more tedious than challenging. However, since some of the steps involve inspecting electrical wiring, it might be more desirable for most homeowners to leave the task to a licensed and ensured outdoor lighting contractor altogether.
How much does it cost to repair outdoor lighting systems?
Low-voltage outdoor lighting system repairs, including the initial troubleshooting, cost from $200 to $500 on average. More extensive repairs, such as replacing an electrical panel or the entire control system, could cost $800 to $1,000.
Are you trying to add some vibrance to your porch? A winter flower pot would be a great option. With some proper care, your pot will last through the colder season and adorn your porch and patio with some much-needed colors to brighten up your days.
Stick with Evergreens
Evergreens are a classic option for winter plant arrangements. With proper wilt-proof, evergreen pots can last up to eight weeks. You can also combine your pot with other smaller hardy bushes to combine different heights and textures for your pot.
Sprinkle in Early Blooming Perennials
Another idea is to add early-blooming perennials to your pot so you can capture the first breath of color before spring arrives. Plants such as creeping phlox and snowdrops can also be lined around the bottom of your pot to add some colorful accents.
Add Ornaments
Holiday ornaments are always a great addition to your winter pots even after the Christmas season has passed. There also plenty of general winter ornaments like snowflakes and snow garlands. If you celebrate Lunar New Year, you can even find some lovely Asian ornaments.
A Mix of Real and Fake Plants
Consider mixing real and fake plants in your pot, especially if you are going after a specific aesthetic. Worry not: there are plenty of quality imitation plants that will go well with a natural winter pot.
Use Metallic Accents
Metallic accents are another good option to spice up your winter pot. Gold, silver, and even bronze accents would significantly light up your winter pots. For example, fake silver branches or gold branches can add more depth to an all-evergreen pot. You can also find decorative rocks that have a metallic gleam to cover the soil of your pot.
Install Plant Lights
Proper lighting inside your flower pot can bring more focus to your beautifully arranged pots on darker days. They also allow you to enjoy a peaceful time around your plants at night. Plus, it is always a nice sight to see your pots lit up as you drive home during the late hours. Quality plant lights cost approximately $45 to $60 per pot.
Spruce Up the Containers
Get creative and think outside the box! While you can stick with proper outdoor flower pots, you can also upcycle other objects to create unique art pieces. For example, ever thought about putting plants into old, broken furniture? You can also paint and decorate your flower pots with trinkets and patterns to make them more fun!
Professional and quality outdoor lighting can significantly change your living experience and your property’s physical appearance. Among the many options in the market, a low-voltage outdoor lighting system is often a homeowner’s favorite. It costs at least a couple of thousand dollars to install a quality low-voltage outdoor lighting system in Kansas City on average. The price ranges between $2,500 and $7,500 or more depending on the level of your system, the area that requires lighting, and any upgrades or add-ons you purchase.
What is a Low-Voltage Outdoor Lighting System
Low-voltage LED lights, or low-voltage landscaping lights, are one of the best outdoor lighting options for homeowners in Kansas City. A low-voltage lighting system reduces standard line voltage (120V-230V) down to a safer level of 12V to 48V (12V for most residential lights) through a transformer. This allows lights to be installed near water features and other sensitive areas where regular voltage might not be suitable.
Most low-voltage landscaping lighting systems consist of three main components:
Transformer: Converts high (regular) line voltage to the desired lower voltage;
Low-voltage wire: which connects fixtures and the control panel and carries the now-reduced current through the system
LED lights: Various types of energy-efficient LED light bulbs made for different lighting purposes.
Benefits of a Low-Voltage Outdoor Lighting System
Some key benefits of having a professionally-installed low-voltage outdoor lighting system for your Kansas City home include:
Improved security: Sufficient lighting at night can significantly enhance your home’s security, reducing unwanted attention while making it easier for your cameras to capture what’s happening on your property.
Better coverage: Since you can install low-voltage LED lights near water and other sensitive areas, the low-voltage system can provide better lighting coverage throughout your landscape than standard-voltage lights.
More energy-efficient: these systems typically use energy-efficient LED light bulbs.
Smart control: many low-voltage outdoor lighting systems can be controlled remotely via a mobile app or configured to turn on and off at a certain time automatically.
Landscape enhancement: With proper lighting, you can make your existing landscape look even more charming.
Increased property value: a high-end lighting system can potentially boost your property’s value depending on what the buyer is looking for.
Cost by Number of Lights
Most lighting systems are categorized based on the number of lights installed. The following list shows the basic cost range to install a low-voltage lighting system for your Kansas City home based on the number of lights:
Basic 6-light pathway system: $2,700
Mid-range 10-light landscape system: $3,500
Premium smart system with 15 lights: $5,600
Cost by Type of Lighting
Your contractor may also quote you depending on the type of lighting you want installed. These different lighting methods can be for decorative or functional purposes, depending on placement.
Pathway Lighting
As the name suggests, path lights are installed along walkways to illuminate paths in the dark. They can be installed along walkways, pavers, or garden paths. Pathway lighting typically costs $250 to $350 per fixture with labor, wire, & transformer included.
Up Lighting
Pointing upwards, up lighting focuses on trees or architectural elements and emphasizes the depth, texture, and complexity of your landscape. Think of them as spotlights to highlight core features of your house. Up lighting also costs $250 to $350 on averageper fixture with labor, wire, & transformer included.
Down Lighting
Opposite to up lighting, down lighting are often installed under decks, patios, and overhead structures to create a tucked-away, intimate atmosphere for gathering areas. Down lighting costs $300 to $400 on average because of extra labor and wire needed to get fixtures mounted on the house or trees.
Hardscape Lighting
Installed along walls and edges of your decks and patios, hardscape lighting highlights the features and textures of your outdoor living spaces. They also make it safer to walk around on these structures during the night. Hardscape lighting can cost $200 to $300.
String Lights
String lights are one of the few low-voltage lighting systems that can be installed by the homeowner. The fixture may cost less than $20 on the low end and between $40 and $60 on the high end.
Upgrade and Add-On Costs
Depending on your budget, you can add various upgrades to your low-voltage outdoor lighting systems for easier, more robust controls and unique characteristics. Common upgrades and their costs are listed below
Bluetooth color-changing light bulbs: $150 per fixture
Bluetooth-controlled transformer with custom programmable color changing: $300 or more per fixture
Can I Install Outdoor Lighting Systems on My Own?
We recommend hiring a contractor to install outdoor lighting systems for your property in Kansas City. Low-voltage outdoor lighting systems must be installed properly to avoid fire hazards and malfunctions. A professional landscaping company also knows how to install lights that bring out the most characteristics of your landscape while ensuring visibility and accessibility needs. Professional contractors are also insured, which protects you from being held responsible for any installation issues or damages caused by the installation.
DIY Outdoor Lighting Ideas
If you want to test your creativity at outdoor lighting, there are plenty of low-risk, low-maintenance DIY outdoor lighting inspirations you can try. However, we typically do not recommend installing solar landscaping lights because they tend to make your landscape look like a runway. They are also subject to weather conditions, raising concerns about insufficient or complete lack of lighting due to rain and overcast weather.
Whether you want to continue the Kansas City BBQ tradition at home or simply love the al fresco outdoor dining experience, an outdoor kitchen is a must to turn your backyard into an at-home vacation haven.
In Kansas City, a new outdoor kitchen can cost between $20,000 and 50,000 or more. The actual cost is affected by several factors, including:
Size: The size of your outdoor kitchen, including the necessary counter space.
Material Selection: Countertop material will also affect how much your outdoor kitchen would cost
Construction Method: The complexity of kitchen design, including any overhead structures.
Appliances: Extra appliances besides stoves and sinks.
Additional costs: plumbing, electrical wiring, permitting, and any other expenses associated with the project.
Cost by Size
The size of your kitchen will significantly impact the cost of your project. On average, an outdoor kitchen costs $75 to $250 per square foot, although the rate can vary based on your local labor rates. Most outdoor kitchens typically range from 200 to 300 square feet, with some larger designs taking up 400 square feet or more.
Cost by Layout
The layout and complexity can also affect the cost of your outdoor kitchen. Popular layouts include:
Small layout: suitable for kitchens under 200 square feet. Usually comes in a linear design with one grill and a counterspace on the side.
L-shaped layout: L-shaped layouts can be placed along the edge of your patio and usually feature multiple appliances, an extended counter, and sometimes a bar.
Large/full kitchen: A full-size outdoor kitchen has a rectangular layout, typically with three sides of counters and appliances and a central island. These layouts can cover over 400 square feet.
Overhead Structures
Sometimes you may want to add an overhead structure, such as a pergola, to cover part of your outdoor kitchen for weather-proofing. Overhead structures cost about $15,000 on average, but exceed $50,000 depending on the size, design, and material used.
Cost by Material
The material you use for your countertop can significantly impact the cost of your outdoor kitchen. Popular countertop materials for outdoor kitchens include granite, soapstone, concrete, and tiles.
Outdoor Kitchen Countertop Price by Material
Material
Cost (per square foot)
Granite
$80 to $150
Soapstone
$60 to $130
Concrete
$50 to $150
Porcelain and ceramic tiles
$17 to $30
Many outdoor kitchens are built on top of existing patio pavings. However, if you want to use a different type of paver for your kitchen, be ready to pay more for material and labor as well.
Appliance Costs
Appliances are the soul of your outdoor kitchen, determining its capacity and functionality. To ensure the efficiency and safety of your outdoor kitchen, make sure to use appliances specifically designed for outdoor use.
Below are the prices for some common outdoor kitchen appliances:
Grill: $700 to $7,000
Outdoor-rated Fridge: $2,000 to $6,000
Storage Doors and Drawers: $350 to $1,500
Pizza Oven: $700 to $7,000
Ice Trough: $300 to $600
Dishwasher: $400 to $2,000
Wine cooler: $400 to $2,000
Additional Costs
Like most other architectural design/build projects, a complex outdoor kitchen project also comes with some additional costs for design, engineering, and upgrades
Plumbing
If your kitchen comes with a new sink, it will also need new plumbing. The cost to install a working sink outdoors falls between $300 $600 in most cases. Plumbing for water or gas, altogether, typically ranges from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on how many appliances are needed to service and how far it is away from the source
Electrical
Sometimes you may be able to use the exterior outlets on your home to support your outdoor kitchen appliances. However, most times you might need to install new outlets to keep the kitchen running. New outlets can cost anywhere from $250 to $500 per outlet, with outlets further away from the home costing over $1,500 sometimes.
Outdoor Living Features
Fire features, dedicated dining areas, outdoor lighting, and landscaping around the kitchen each come with their separate cost.
Permits
You may need certain permits to complete your outdoor kitchen projects, especially if new electrical, plumbing, and surrounding structures are involved.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
You can put together a DIY kitchen on your patio with a simple grill and standing storage cabinets for around $4,500. However, we highly recommend hiring an outdoor kitchen expert to build your outdoor kitchen if you want something lasting, efficient, and enjoyable. A professional landscaping company can also take care of any permitting needs and play the role of Project Manager to help you coordinate with other contractors on the project.
To custom-build an outdoor kitchen on an existing patio, expect to pay between $20,000 to $50,000. If you want to add an overhead structure to the kitchen area, you should budget an extra $5,000 to $10,000.
Do Outdoor Kitchens Increase Property Value?
A well-built outdoor kitchen can significantly increase your property value. Generally speaking, the larger and more complex the kitchen, the higher the increase in property value. According to the National Association of REALTORS, most outdoor kitchens can yield a 71% return on investment.
Outdoor Kitchen Maintenance
Like all hardscapes and appliances, your outdoor kitchen also requires regular maintenance. Common outdoor kitchen maintenance routines include appliance inspection and repair, regular cleaning, and paver sealing and maintenance.
In the Midwest, you will also need to winterize your outdoor sinks to prevent freezing. This can be done when your sprinklers are blown out, using a similar process by blowing air through the lines to prevent freeze damage during the off-season.
