Common use of Mulching Clause in Contracts

Mulching. A. Contractor shall maintain mulch at a depth of at least two inches after settling. When additional mulch is necessary, Contractor should present a separate bid for approval. B. The use of mulches made from sustainable materials such as recycled hardwood mulch, Melaleuca trees, Eucalyptus, pine needles, and pine bark is recommended. Contractor shall not use Grade B cypress mulches made from whole-tree wood. C. Contractor shall apply mulch to bedded areas and around trees and palms. Contractor shall leave a 2-inch space between the trunks of plants and the mulch. Contractors shall mulch within at least a 12 to 18-inch radius from the trunk for any size of tree. D. Contractor shall apply new mulch in a level profile consistent with pre-existing grades so that the final uniform mulch depth comprised of both existing and new layers will be a minimum of 2 inches, but will not exceed 3 inches. Contractor shall not apply new mulch material against trunks or plant stems but will taper down to the soil at those locations. In all locations where the existing mulch bed is in contact with a paved surface (i.e., sidewalks, roadway edges, or curbing and driveways), Contractor shall lightly trench the mulch-hard surface bed line to better contain the existing and applied mulch. E. Contractor shall rake or sweep mulch off paved areas and turfgrass into beds as the mulch application progresses. Contractor shall rake smooth any mounded areas so that depth does not exceed 3 inches. F. If mulch is installed improperly, Contractor shall correct any problems at no additional charge to Owner.